When it comes to inhaler disposal many see it as a binary choice—either hang on to old inhalers or simply throw them in the trash.
Despite that though, there is a third—and much safer—way to dispose inhalers.
Rather than letting them gather dust or instead throwing them away and taking environmental risks, inhaler disposal programs are available and designed to help patients safely recycle their old inhalers.
Why Recycle Old Inhalers?
There are a variety of reasons for why you should recycle inhalers instead of trashing them:
Inhalers Can Explode in the Trash
In terms of safety, one of the most important reasons for why you can’t throw away old inhalers is because the can will explode if punctured, compacted, or heated too much—somewhere like in a garbage truck for example.
Inhalers Produce Greenhouse Gases
When broken open inhalers can release greenhouse gases. According to recent studies, inhaler-related greenhouse gases are responsible for roughly 5 million tons of CO2 emissions.
Inhalers Can Still Have Medication Left
During a study done by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, they found that 29% of inhalers that are disposed still have medication left in them.
While for the consumer it’s just a waste of medication, if their inhalers end up in a landfill the leftover medication can leak out and as a result contaminate the local water supplies for an entire community.
How to Safely Dispose Inhalers
Falling under the category of pharmaceutical waste, inhalers need to be handled like other medications when it comes to disposal.
In many cases you can contact a local pharmacy or recycling facility to see if there are any types of take-back programs for inhalers.
With inhaler recycling programs patients are able to bring in their empty inhalers to their local pharmacies and exchange them for a new one. From there the old inhalers are collected by a partner recycling provider who then breaks down the inhaler plastics for remanufacturing and safely captures any remaining aerosol medication.
Get Free Quotes On Inhaler Disposal and Recycling Today
Medical Waste Pros partners with numerous recycling facilities and others who regularly handle medical waste and can help you to dispose of your old inhalers on both a safe and environmentally-friendly note.
For free quotes on local inhaler disposal and recycling services in your area, fill out the form to your right or give us a call at (888) 755-6370.
