In the ongoing effort to reduce waste and promote sustainability, disposable injectable drug devices such as EpiPens and insulin pens are an often overlooked category. These life-saving tools are essential for many, but their environmental impact is significant.
Auto-injectors are essential tools for people with severe allergies, but if not handled properly, they pose a danger to recycling workers, as well as family members and cleaning staff. As of 2015, approximately 15 million EpiPens were manufactured worldwide, along with millions more disposable syringes for other medications, such as insulin, epinephrine, and migraine medications. With more medications being administered by injection, including the new GLP-1 weight loss medications, understanding how to properly dispose of or recycle them can make a big difference.
EpiPen and auto-injector parts
These devices are usually made from a combination of plastics. Waste and recycling of metals, electronic components, etc. is complicated. Without proper disposal methods, It ends up being dumped in landfills, Plastic pollution and e-waste.
For example, an EpiPen contains several components.
- Plastic housing: The exterior of an EpiPen is typically made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or polypropylene, both of which are recyclable plastics under the right conditions. These parts must be separated before they can enter the recycling system.
- Metal Spring: The drug is pumped into the device by a spring mechanism made of metal, often highly recyclable steel.
- Electronic circuit: Some devices contain small electronic components for features such as automatic needle retraction. These elements are classed as electronic waste (e-waste) and require special recycling.
The market for disposable injectables is Increased rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes For those with severe allergies, the environmental burden of these devices is growing. The insulin delivery device market is Projected to reach more than $46 billion by 2028As demand for these critical medical devices grows, so does the need for sustainable disposal solutions.
Why is recycling important?
Improper disposal of single-use injectables poses several environmental risks. Plastic parts It takes hundreds of years to decompose, leaching harmful chemicals into the soil and water. Although metal components are less hazardous, they still contribute to the growing problem of metal waste ending up in landfills. Furthermore, devices with electronic components add to the problem of e-waste, which contains hazardous substances that can pollute ecosystems if not properly managed.
Recycling these devices helps reduce waste and recover valuable materials: plastics can be reused in new products, metals can be melted down and reused, and electronic components can be safely processed to extract reusable materials such as copper and gold.
California, Oregon, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin have laws that prohibit throwing sharps in the trash, and other states may require you to take certain steps before throwing medical sharps in the trash. For example: Thirty-two states require sharps to be kept in containers. Louisiana requires needles and syringes to be labeled before being thrown away in the trash, while New Jersey requires needles and syringes to be destroyed with a needle snip before being discarded.
How to recycle disposable syringes
Recycling EpiPens and other disposable syringes is more complicated than recycling household items like cans and bottles. Here are some things you can do:
- Injector
- Take your used syringes to a pharmacy: Walgreens provides collection boxes Items for sale that can be returned and disposed of, CVS is similarMany hospital pharmacies also accept sharps. SafeNeedleDisposal.org and Drug Enforcement Administration We provide comprehensive search tools to help you find local drug and sharps disposal locations.
- Check with the manufacturer: Some pharmaceutical companies offer take-back programs for their products. These programs allow you to return used equipment for safe disposal or recycling. Always check the manufacturer’s website or contact customer service for more information. For example:
- Pfizer, which makes EpiPen, provides instructions on how to dispose of it properly but does not offer a mail-in service.
- Novo Nordisk’s ReMed Programme Helps Novo Nordisk insulin pen users in Brazil, France, Italy, Japan, Denmark and the UK return their pens for recycling. This program is not available in the US.
- Sanofi Soliqua 100/33 Disposal Guide In the United States, they provide information on how to safely dispose of injection pens, but do not offer a paid mail-in service. Collection programs in Germany and Denmark.
- Use a sharps disposal container: If take-back programs are not available, place used syringes in designated sharps disposal containers. These containers are made of puncture-resistant plastic and are designed to safely store medical waste. Many pharmacies and health clinics We offer a collection service for full sharps containers.
- Find a professional recycling program: There are also recycling companies that specialize in disposing of medical waste, including single-use injectables, so they can safely separate the components of the equipment and recycle them properly. Stericycle offers a take-back program. Facilities that use the company’s products PureWay offers sharps disposal service by mail.
- Check with your local waste management service: Some local waste management programs may accept medical devices as part of their hazardous waste or e-waste collection services. Contact your local waste management company Recycling options in your area.
Towards a sustainable and healthy future
As the use of disposable syringes continues to grow, the need for sustainable disposal methods is becoming more and more pressing. Proper recycling of these devices not only reduces waste, Recovery of valuable materials for reuse New product.
Now is the time to make a conscious effort to manage the environmental impact of these life-saving devices. By participating in manufacturer take-back programs, using sharps disposal containers, or using specialized recycling services, Every step on our shared journey towards a more sustainable future matters. Let’s take action today to ensure the tools we rely on for our health don’t harm the planet.
