The improper disposal of (used) pharmaceuticals via the toilet and sink is still one of the largest avoidable ways in which pharmaceuticals enter the environment. This infographic therefore provides information on the correct disposal of leftover pharmaceuticals in Germany.  

In Germany, there are different regional disposal routes for used pharmaceuticals. The infographic visualizes the correct regional disposal routes for used pharmaceuticals in a map of German districts and independent cities (source: arzneimittelentsorgung.de, as of March 2023). In some cases, several disposal routes are offered in one district or independent city, which is why the simplest disposal route is always shown on the map from the patient's point of view (preference for "domestic waste" over "mobile hazardous waste unit or recycling center"). As the disposal routes can change, reference is also made to the portal arzneimittelentsorgung.de, where the disposal information is regularly updated.

Disposal via the domestic waste garbage bin or hazardous waste collection points is most frequently recommended. As the majority of domestic waste is incinerated, the pharmaceuticals are rendered harmless in this way. Another message in the infographic is the appeal not to dispose of pharmaceuticals down the toilet or sink. Such practices unnecessarily lead to additional pollution of water bodies, as sewage treatment plants are not able to completely break down all pharmaceuticals.

In addition to the map, which shows the simplest disposal option for each region, four supplementary maps were also created, each showing all German districts and independent cities in which pharmaceuticals can be disposed of via domestic waste, mobile hazardous waste unit, recycling centers or pharmacies (on a voluntary basis).  

A reduced, square version of the map was also developed for use in social media channels. An animation is also available for info screens and social media.

The summarized map graphic is used in the flyer "Do NOT dispose of drugs in the toilet or sink" and in the teaching materials developed in the project for university teaching, further education and vocational schools. The map graphics are also part of the UBA portal "Humanarzneimittel und Umwelt".  

With their CC-BY 4.0 license, the maps can be shared and edited, provided the author is acknowledged. We would be delighted if you could give other interested parties access to this important information and thus raise awareness of the need to dispose of leftover medicines correctly.