Helping Reduce Medicine Waste in Greenwich: A New NHS Campaign
Every year, unused or unnecessary medicines are estimated to cost the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds. These medicines cannot be reused once dispensed and must be safely destroyed. Reducing this waste means more funding can be directed toward vital NHS services, treatments, and patient care.
Why reducing medicine waste matters
Many people feel they need to reorder everything listed on their repeat prescription, even when they still have enough medication at home. This leads to stockpiling, the risk of taking out‑of‑date medicines, and shortages for those who genuinely need specific treatments.
Only ordering medicine when it’s needed helps:
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Keep people safe – medicines have expiry dates and may not work properly if used too late.
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Prevent shortages – avoiding unnecessary orders means supplies remain available for everyone.
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Reduce environmental impact – medicines require significant resources to produce, transport, and dispose of safely.
If you discover unused or out‑of‑date medication at home, you should return it to any local pharmacy. Pharmacies can dispose of medicines safely—please don’t throw them in household bins or flush them away, as this can harm the environment.
What patients in Greenwich can do
The campaign is encouraging everyone to take simple steps:
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Check what you already have before ordering more.
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Order only the medicines you need for the month ahead.
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Tell your GP practice if you have stopped taking any of your prescribed medicines.
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Ask for a medicines review if your prescription no longer feels right for you.
A medicines review is a helpful conversation with a GP or pharmacist to ensure your prescription remains safe, effective, and tailored to your needs.
Supporting the campaign across Greenwich
Over the coming weeks, GP practices, pharmacies and community organisations in Greenwich will be sharing tips to support safe and responsible ordering. Pharmacists are also available to answer questions about how your medicines work, how long they last, and how to store them correctly.
For more advice, or if you’re unsure about your prescription, speak with your local pharmacy or GP practice. Together, we can help reduce waste, improve safety, and support better health for everyone in Greenwich.
