This article analyzes the legal and ethical issues of disposal of medicines that are no longer needed: the instructions for use contain a direct reference of the patient to the pharmacist with the question of what to do with such remnants. The legal status of medicines purchased by end users but unused remains uncertain, which complicates the process of their disposal. In this context, the study includes the results of a survey of pharmacy professionals showing that most of them, like ordinary consumers, throw away medicines with household waste without taking measures to prevent their unauthorized use. The author proposes new terms for medicines in the hands of end-users intended for “throwing away” and emphasizes the need for pharmacy organizations to be actively involved in promoting safe disposal. Special emphasis is placed on the potential and competencies of pharmaceutical workers and pharmacy chains in ensuring the environmental safety of such medicines; the legal status of medicines unclaimed by the patient is analyzed; legal issues of the practice of their destruction are considered. There is a lack of programs at the federal level for the collection and disposal of drug waste in the form of unclaimed medicines from the population, as well as the lack of a legal framework regulating the participation of pharmacies and pharmaceutical workers in this process. There is a lack of awareness of citizens about the rules of safe disposal of unneeded medicines, as well as the lack of effective mechanisms for the collection and recycling of such waste. It is shown that most people are not aware of existing recycling programs, although many are willing to use them if the conditions are convenient. The importance of involving the public — both patients and pharmaceutical industry specialists — in environmental responsibility issues related to the handling of unclaimed drug waste is emphasized: the participation of pharmacy chains in such initiatives can not only enhance their image, but also contribute to the socio-economic development of the region. It is necessary to develop comprehensive approaches to solving the problem, including improvement of legislation, formation of appropriate competence among pharmaceutical workers, raising public awareness about the handling of unclaimed medicines, and introduction of special collection points from the public.

Unclaimed medicines, disposal of unclaimed medicines, household medicinal waste from the public, environmental liability of pharmacy chains, pharmacists.