Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Waste Management
In the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector, waste must be managed with strict security, comprehensive regulatory compliance, and full transparency—standards that only a single-source, end-to-end solutions provider can reliably ensure.
Streamlined pharmaceutical waste solutions and services
From tackling local pharmacy storage hurdles to supporting global manufacturers and their sustainability goals, our versatile solutions cover it all. Trust Reworld™ for compliant, scalable, and reliable services that account for every step of your waste management needs.
Our closed-loop disposal process offers benefits to your healthcare business
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Expired and off-spec medications
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Controlled substance waste
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Hazardous pharmaceutical waste
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Non-hazardous pharmaceutical waste
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Research and laboratory waste
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Manufacturing byproducts
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Biological and biohazardous waste
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Contaminated packaging and materials
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Liquid and chemical waste
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And more!
Pharmaceutical and biotech waste management solutions we offer
Secure disposal and destruction
Discreet process that includes monitored handling, intuitive tracking, and witnessed and certified destruction of materials through shredding, controlled incineration, and other highly-regulated processes.
ReDrop™ wastewater treatment
Chemical and physical treatment that separates water from contaminants for recycling, destruction, and/or energy recovery.
ReMove waste transportation and logistics
Reliable service from our owned-and-operated fleet of vehicles for getting your waste where it needs to go quickly and compliantly.
Renewable energy recovery
Safe, compliant destruction of hazardous and non-hazardous waste through high-temperature waste-to-energy incineration. Our state-of-the-art thermomechanical treatment facilities (TTFs) and certified processes ensure thorough destruction of sensitive materials while minimizing environmental impact and maximizing energy recovery that can be used to purchase RECs 10x more impactful than those generated from wind or solar sources.
Why partner with a DEA reverse distributor for pharmaceutical waste management and recycling?
Working with a DEA- and HC-registered reverse distributor like Reworld™ ensures safe, compliant, and efficient handling of pharmaceutical waste—including controlled substances. We provide end-to-end solutions for pharmaceutical and biotech facilities that spans collection, transportation, secure destruction, and documentation that meets all federal and state / province and territory regulatory standards. Our expert team helps minimize risk, prevent waste circulation, and protect your stakeholders and community—all with minimal disruption to your operations. From hospitals and pharmacies to research labs and manufacturers, Reworld™ is your trusted partner for compliant and sustainable pharmaceutical waste disposal.
Pharma Waste Management Resources
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Product Recalls: How to Safely Manage Unsellable Goods and Their Risks
Compliance Lifecycle Sustainability
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How Pharmaceutical Leaders Build Resilience Through Waste
Compliance Sustainability Health
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Driving Next-Level Waste Logistics
Operations Services Sustainability
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The Critical Role of Logistics in Sustainable Waste Management
Operations Infrastructure Business
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Product Recalls: How to Safely Manage Unsellable Goods and Their Risks
Compliance Lifecycle Sustainability
-
How Pharmaceutical Leaders Build Resilience Through Waste
Compliance Sustainability Health
-
Driving Next-Level Waste Logistics
Operations Services Sustainability
-
The Critical Role of Logistics in Sustainable Waste Management
Operations Infrastructure Business
Pharmaceutical Waste Management FAQ
Pharmaceutical waste includes expired, off-spec, or unused medications, drugs, and their byproducts that must be disposed of safely and securely. This waste can come from hospitals, pharmacies, research labs, doctors’ offices, veterinary clinics, and manufacturers.
Sometimes. Some pharmaceutical wastes are considered hazardous due to their toxicity, flammability, or potential to harm human health or the environment, while others are not. Categorization can vary from region to region, which is why remaining cognizant of the many different local and federal categorizations is so important."
Examples of hazardous pharmaceutical waste include expired prescriptions, narcotics, chemotherapy agents, nicotine patches, and warfarin. These substances are regulated as hazardous waste and must be disposed of through licensed facilities with strict protocols.
Pharmaceutical waste is typically segregated by type and then securely collected, tracked, and transported to licensed treatment or destruction facilities. Methods include incineration and chemical neutralization for certain drugs. Reworld offers reverse distribution capabilities backed by secure disposal services that dial up waste monitoring even further and enable customers to witness the destruction of their waste and receive a certificate of destruction as well. They’ll even generate renewable, REC-creating energy in the process.
In North America, medical waste is regulated by a combination of agencies including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) / Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) / Health Canada (HC), the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) / Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), and state / province and territory health departments. Reworld™ helps pharmaceutical waste generators stay compliant with all applicable regulations.
A DEA reverse distributor is a licensed entity authorized to handle the return and destruction of controlled substances. Reworld™ is registered to provide secure reverse distribution, ensuring safe collection, documentation, and final disposal of DEA-regulated waste.
Pharmaceutical waste services are essential for hospitals, urgent care centers, long-term care facilities, pharmacies, biotech firms, research labs, doctors’ offices, veterinary clinics, and medical manufacturers—any organization that handles or dispenses medications.
Proper pharmaceutical waste management protects public health, reduces environmental harm, and ensures compliance with federal and state laws. Reworld™ offers comprehensive, cost-effective services that support sustainability and minimize risk.