Pharmacy Daily | Record meds returned

THE Return of Unwanted Medicines (RUM) Project has marked another record year, with nearly 826,000 kilograms of unwanted medicines being returned to community pharmacies across Australia.

The RUM Board of Directors expressed gratitude to pharmacies for their role in the success of this program, which is funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Health and Aged Care.

Now in its 25th year, the RUM Project has safely incinerated 15 million kilograms of expired and unwanted medicines.

In the past financial year, 195,610 RUM bins were manufactured and returned for disposal, highlighting the dedication of community pharmacies to safe and responsible medicine disposal.

As the program continues to grow, pharmacists are reminded to ensure the RUM bin lids are securely locked before returning the unwanted medicines to where they were acquired from.

A spokesperson for RUM said, "it is also important to not forget that the red seal needs to be removed from the base of the RUM bin and stored carefully until you seal your bin prior to returning it to the wholesaler for disposal".

"If you misplace the red seal, you will not be able to return the full RUM bin to the wholesaler."

Most medicines can be placed in RUM bins, but pharmacists must adhere to state and territory legislation, including the destruction of Schedule 8 medicines before disposal.

Small volumes of liquid medicines should be poured onto kitty litter to prevent leaks, and sharps must be disposed of in a sharps bin, not a RUM bin, said the spokesperson.

Reports of unpleasant odours from RUM bins have prompted a reminder to ensure all items placed in the bins are odourless.

The project, exclusive to community pharmacies, is not extended to medical clinics, residential facilities or hospitals.

For queries, pharmacists can call the RUM office on 1300 650 835 or email info@returnedmed.com.au. JG