Incheon Yeonsu-gu Launches Full-Scale Collection of Expired Medicines... Collection Centers Increase from 65 to 132

Yeonsu-gu, Incheon has officially launched the 'Waste Pharmaceutical Management Project,' which was selected as Incheon City's resident participation budget this year.

Due to issues such as the accumulation and odor of waste pharmaceuticals caused by insufficient space for collection boxes and lack of personnel, Yeonsu-gu has significantly increased the number of collection institutions from the existing 65 locations to 132 places, including government offices, pharmacies, and apartments.

Last month, the district signed an agreement with a contracted collection company to carry out batch collection at appropriate intervals, promoting an efficient and prompt waste pharmaceutical management project. The safely transported waste pharmaceuticals will be incinerated at high temperatures in accordance with the Waste Management Act.

In addition, the district plans to create an environment to activate waste pharmaceutical collection by supporting the production of collection boxes, distributing collection bags, and promoting proper disposal methods to participating institutions.

Expired Medicine Collection Box [Photo by Asia Economy]

Waste pharmaceuticals require strict management as they can cause soil and water pollution, ecosystem disruption, and drug misuse accidents if left unattended.

Since the revision of the 'Waste Management Act' in 2017, waste pharmaceuticals have been designated as hazardous household waste, and management guidelines are in place. However, a recent survey conducted by the Resource Circulation Society found that 6 out of 10 citizens do not know how to separate and dispose of waste pharmaceuticals.

The method for separating and disposing of waste pharmaceuticals is as follows: for pills, remove the outer packaging, seal them in plastic bags, for powdered medicine, dispose of it in its original packaging, and for liquid medicine or ointments, tightly close the cap and dispose of the entire container.

A Yeonsu-gu official stated, "Waste pharmaceuticals carry a high risk of misuse, and indiscriminate disposal can lead to environmental pollution and ecosystem disruption by flowing into rivers and soil. We will actively promote to ensure that citizens can dispose of waste pharmaceuticals more safely and conveniently."