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A program has been in place since 1996. The public can return expired or unused medications at participating community pharmacies across British Columbia. The pharmaceutical industry voluntarily established the Medications Return Program (formally called British Columbia EnviRx) in November 1996 then in 1997 it was regulated under the Post-Consumer Residual Stewardship Program Regulation. Brand-owners of pharmaceutical and consumer health-care products are currently regulated under the Recycling Regulation and this program allows consumers to return (at no charge) unused or expired medications to over 95 per cent of participating pharmacies in the province.

Program Objectives

Pharmaceuticals are a small but very important component of the waste stream affecting every household in British Columbia. Unused pharmaceuticals pose a significant health, safety and environmental hazard when improperly stored or disposed to the environment. The program's intentions are to divert expired and/or unused medications from landfills and sewers, as well as to ensure safe and effective collection.

Funding Mechanism

Medications Return Program is administered by the Post-Consumers Pharmaceutical Stewardship Association and funded by brand-owners selling medications in British Columbia This program provides the pharmaceutical and self-care health products industries with a collective means of adhering to the requirements of the British Columbia Recycling Regulation.

Recycling Hot Line

Information for the Public

Check your medicine cabinet for unused or expired medicines and bring them in to your local pharmacist for environmentally responsible disposal. The disposal of the waste is conducted through incineration.

Click here to learn what items can be dropped off at participating pharmacies.

Information for the Pharmacist

Residuals Management Group Ltd. arranges for the pickup and disposal of unused or expired medications from pharmacies in British Columbia.

Program Application Form

Pharmacies wishing to register with the B.C. Medications Return Program should print out and complete the application form and fax it to Residuals Management Group Ltd. (RMG) at 604-241-4649. Pharmacies that are registered with the program and want to arrange for a new empty container to be delivered, should complete the documentation contained in the plastic envelope on the side of the old container and fax it to 604-599-8950. If you have any questions on this procedure please contact RMG by calling 604-726-4141. Brand-owners dispensing medications in BC have made this program available to the public.

Information for the Brand-Owner

To learn more about how you can join the PCPSA and make a positive difference for our environment, click here.

Related Links

• Post-Consumer Residual Stewardship Program - 2008 Report
• Post-Consumer Residual Stewardship Program - 2007 Report
• Post-Consumer Residual Stewardship Program - 2006 Report
• Post-Consumer Residual Stewardship Program - 2005 Report
• Post-Consumer Residual Stewardship Program - 2004 Report
• Government of British Columbia

Medications Return Program Plan

• Stewardship Plan - Who, what, where, why and how
• Obligated Brand-Owners - Information for those selling medications in British Columbia
• Frequently Asked Questions