Why Is Safe Medication Disposal So Hard?
Safe medication disposal is often confusing, inaccessible, and overlooked.
Dispose Improperly
48%
Of households dispose of medications improperly
Need Better Access
54%
Identify improving access to collection points as the most needed solution
Confusing Guidelines
Different rules in different cities
Confusion about how to dispose
Accessibility Barriers
Hard for seniors to reach disposal sites
Medications pile up at home
Lack of Awareness
Lack of information
Improper disposal into sinks or trash
Two issues stood out most clearly in our survey
48% of households dispose of medication improperly
34.8% favored more collection bins, 44.5% preferred bins near homes or apartments, and 53.9% would use them if locations were easily accessible.
Improper disposal and limited access to collection points emerged as the most urgent barriers.
Source: Korea Green Foundation (2025), Survey on Awareness and Practices Regarding Proper Disposal of Unused MedicationsView Source