Wasted Medicines in England Estimated to Fill 75 Swimming Pools Annually

The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) reported that the amount of wasted medicines disposed of in England each year could fill 75 swimming pools. This figure is based on an estimate of 3,400 tonnes of partly used medicines discarded in the fiscal year 2024-2025.

In its findings, the NPA emphasized the need for more regular reviews of repeat prescriptions to address what it describes as a growing problem of medical waste.

The association's report points to the substantial amounts of medications that patients do not use, suggesting that better management of prescriptions could reduce waste.

Health officials have been urged by the NPA to take action, highlighting that the current levels of waste are unsustainable and represent a significant loss of resources.

The NPA's call for regular prescription reviews intends to ensure that patients receive only what they need, potentially minimizing the quantity of unused medications disposed of each year.