Pharmaceutical Waste Management and Reverse Logistics in the U.S. Enhancing Sustainability and Reducing Public Health Risks

Pharmaceutical waste management in the United States presents significant environmental and public health challenges due to improper disposal practices, rising unused or expired medications, and toxic effects on ecosystems and human health. This paper examines the complexities of pharmaceutical waste management, focusing on the role of reverse logistics as a sustainable solution to mitigate these issues. It explores the sources and classifications of pharmaceutical waste, key environmental and public health concerns, and the compliance barriers associated with current disposal methods. The paper emphasizes the importance of reverse logistics in optimizing the collection, return, and disposal of pharmaceutical products through sustainable models, including circular economy principles. Furthermore, the analysis examines the role of technology, such as blockchain and AI-driven tracking, in enhancing the efficiency and transparency of reverse logistics systems. The regulatory landscape, including the roles of federal agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), is also assessed, alongside successful case studies of industry-led initiatives and public-private partnerships. The paper concludes by offering policy recommendations and strategies for improving pharmaceutical waste management, emphasizing the need for collaboration across sectors, innovation in disposal technologies, and further research into sustainable practices to reduce the environmental footprint of pharmaceutical waste.