Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 July 2026
858. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the reason Ireland did not operate a national collection system for unused medicines despite the obligation under Directive 2004/27/EC, in place since 2004; the steps taken to ensure the new scheme achieves full compliance with that Directive; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [53334/26]
View answerWhile heretofore no formalised national service was available for patients to dispose of their household medical waste at their community pharmacies, several amenities were operational across the country.
Previous Disposal of Unused Medication Properly (DUMP) campaigns have been successfully run locally by the HSE and facilitated by local community pharmacists.
Mywaste.ie, operated by the Regional Waste Management Planning Offices, also provides information to the public regarding sites at which waste can be safely disposed of, including medical waste. A tool available on this website allows users to locate civic amenity sites at which certain kinds of waste are excepted.
The recent introduction of Mediback is a significant step forward in making the disposal of unused or expired medication more accessible and convenient for patients. The service is currently being rolled out to 1900 pharmacies, and will be a valuable contribution to achieving Sláintecare objectives of expanding the role of primary and community care and bringing healthcare closer to home for patients throughout the country.
