Literature Review: Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Practices: Global Trends and Environmental Impact

Pharmaceutical waste is progressively emerging as a concern of public health and environmental concern. Abuses of disposal protocols cause contamination of water bodies, soil contamination, and even food chain contamination. This review addresses global trends in pharmaceutical disposal, establishing notable environmental impacts and evaluating current regulatory frameworks and levels of public knowledge. The research indicated large policy implementation shortcomings and public educational shortfalls, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Improving collection systems, implementing take-back programs, and increasing stakeholder collaboration are essential to mitigate the environmental burden of pharmaceutical waste.