- IPU welcomes the introduction of Mediback Scheme.
IPU Friday 28 August 2026: Community pharmacies across Ireland are beginning to offer a free unused medicine return and disposal service under the new MediBack scheme funded by the HSE. The nationwide initiative allows people to return unused, unwanted or expired medicines safely to their local community pharmacy for safe and responsible disposal.
More than 1,900 community pharmacies around the country are now participating in the service which aims to protect both public health and the environment. Research previously commissioned by the Irish Pharmacy Union found that 27% of unused medicines were thrown in household bins while 6% were flushed down sinks or toilets. The research also found that two out of five people were unaware of the risks associated with incorrect disposal. Medicines that are not disposed of correctly can contaminate water systems and contribute to wider environmental and health challenges.
Commenting on the launch, Elizabeth Lang of the Irish Pharmacy Union said:
“Pharmacists across Ireland have long called for a national medicines return scheme and we are delighted to see MediBack launched. For the first time, Ireland will have a nationally coordinated medicines return service available through community pharmacies. This is the latest in a growing number of healthcare services being delivered through community pharmacies nationwide and is another example of how pharmacies continue to make healthcare more accessible and convenient for patients.
“MediBack will empower people to dispose of medicines correctly, protecting their families, their communities and the environment. Too often medicines are kept unnecessarily in homes or disposed of in ways that can pose risks to public health and the environment.
“The scheme is also a practical opportunity for patients, families and carers to review what medicines are in the home, what is no longer required and what may not be being used as intended. When returning unused medicines to their local pharmacy, people can consult with their pharmacist about their medicines, how they are taking them and whether they have any questions or concerns. That gives pharmacists a clearer picture of how medicines are being used and supports safer, more effective care for patients.”
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Note to Editor:
How MediBack works
People can return unused, unwanted, or expired medicines, including tablets or capsules (in their original foil strip or card or in a small bag, vial or jar), liquid medicines (in their original bottle), inhalers, and eligible injector devices (with needles removed/retracted), to pharmacies free of charge. To help ensure medicines can be disposed of safely and efficiently, the public is advised to:
- Bring unused or expired medicines to their local pharmacy.
- Leave tablets and capsules in their original aluminium foil strip or card or in a bag, vial or jar, but remove and recycle outer cardboard and paper packaging.
- Ensure liquid medicines do not exceed 1L per bottle and have the top closed in their original containers (glass or plastic).
- Remove and safely dispose of any needles or other sharps before returning injector devices.
- Ask their pharmacist if they are unsure whether an item can be accepted.
- Sharps, needles, vapes, clinical waste and non-medicinal chemicals cannot be accepted through the MediBack scheme.
Further information is available at: MediBack, the free in-pharmacy service for the safe disposal of unused and expired medicines
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