Pharmaceutical Waste Collection

Novus Environmental can properly handle and dispose of many kinds of waste. But pharmaceutical waste collection and management services are where we started over 15 years ago, and it remains one of our core specialities. We pride ourselves on our commitment to service, our compliance and recognition in the sector and our all-in-one approach.

Our professional waste collection service covers every stage of the process. We ensure that your pharmaceutical waste is managed in complete safety, security and compliance. And we can be your partner for waste management, whether you’re looking for a one-off collection or a regular collection schedule.

What Is Pharmaceutical Waste? 

The definition of pharmaceutical waste includes surplus medicines, chemicals or materials that are – for any reason – no longer suitable for use. This can be because they are expired stock, or they are damaged in transit or storage. It can also include manufacturing surplus and drugs returned by patients or hospitals.

Common examples of pharmaceutical waste include:

• Expired or unused prescription and over-the-counter medicines
• Vaccines and antibiotics
• Cytotoxic and cytostatic drugs
• Controlled substances and anaesthetics
• Contaminated packaging, PPE and sharps
• Raw ingredients or by-products from pharmaceutical production

When these materials are not properly disposed of, this can pose serious risks. These can range from environmental contamination and medical emergencies to breaches of controlled substance regulations. That’s why professional pharmaceutical waste management is such a key part of responsible healthcare and laboratory practice.

Our Pharmaceutical Waste Collection Services 

Our fully compliant with pharmaceutical waste collection services meets all UK regulatory requirements, and we’re continually adapting, evaluating and reforming our processes to stay in compliance in this strict and rapidly-changing field. We have dedicated secure vehicles, ADR-certified drivers and fully licensed facilities to guarantee fully safe, responsible and traceable handling of pharmaceutical waste.

Our pharmaceutical waste collection services include:

• Regular scheduled collections for pharmacies, hospitals and laboratories producing ongoing waste streams.
• One-off collections for clear-outs, site closures or specific stock disposal needs.
• Secure transport for controlled drugs, cytotoxic waste and other high-risk materials.
• Full traceability and documentation, including consignment notes and waste transfer paperwork.

We tailor every collection to your organisation’s unique requirements, ensuring minimal disruption and full compliance with legislation such as the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Hazardous Waste Regulations.

Why Choose Novus Environmental? 

1. Decades of Expertise

Novus Environmental has been handling pharmaceutical waste for over 15 years, and our senior team has over half a century of combined experience. We’re based in Cambridge at the heart of the UK’s biosciences and pharmaceutical research industries. We understand the nature and needs of this sector, and the complexities of handling medicines, chemicals and healthcare waste. This is what has made us one of the country’s most trusted names in pharmaceutical waste management.

2. Fully Accredited and Compliant

We hold all the required permits and licenses to operate as a waste carrier and handler. We can legally and safely collect, transport and treat a huge range of pharmaceutical and healthcare waste materials. Our ADR-trained drivers and audited facilities ensure every item is handled to the highest standards of safety.

3. Secure and Confidential Handling

Pharmaceutical products often carry brand, regulatory, or patient data sensitivities. That’s why our collection and destruction processes are fully secure. We also offer witnessed destruction and Certificates of Destruction for full assurance and record-keeping.

4. Nationwide Coverage with Local Service

Our extensive fleet of vehicles and strategically located treatment facilities enable us to offer both local and national coverage, providing reliable and responsive pharmaceutical waste collection throughout the UK.

How Our Pharmaceutical Waste Collection Works

Our waste collection service is designed to be simple, secure and seamless.

Assessment and Classification: We begin by assessing your waste types, quantities and storage needs. Our experts identify hazardous and non-hazardous streams, ensuring accurate segregation.

Collection and Transportation: Our ADR-certified drivers collect the waste in secure containers and transport it using fully compliant vehicles.

Treatment and Disposal: Waste is treated using methods such as incineration or sterilisation to ensure it poses no risk to people or the environment.

Documentation and Reporting: You’ll receive full documentation and certificates confirming safe, compliant disposal. All to deliver you complete peace of mind.

The Benefits of Partnering with Novus Environmental

Regulatory Compliance: Meet all UK environmental and healthcare waste regulations with ease.

Risk Reduction: Minimise exposure to hazardous materials and ensure staff safety.

Cost Efficiency: Streamline your waste management processes and avoid costly fines or inefficiencies.

Sustainability: Support a circular, environmentally responsible approach to pharmaceutical waste.

Reputation Protection: Demonstrate your organisation’s commitment to safety and sustainability.

Partner with the Experts in Pharmaceutical Waste Management

At Novus Environmental, we make pharmaceutical waste collection simple, compliant and sustainable. Whether you’re a small independent pharmacy, a large hospital or a pharmaceutical manufacturer, our services are tailored to your operational and legal needs.

We’re ready to be your partner in achieving both environmental compliance and sustainable healthcare.

Book Your Pharmaceutical Waste Collection Today

Take the stress out of disposing of pharmaceutical waste with the UK’s trusted experts. Contact Novus Environmental today to arrange your pharmaceutical waste collection service. Our experienced team will provide a safe, compliant and cost-effective solution, tailored in every possible way to suit your organisation’s particular needs.

Get in touch now to book your pharmaceutical waste collection and ensure your waste is handled responsibly from start to finish.