This playbook focuses on strategies to reduce, reuse and recycle pharmaceuticals and their associated physical waste to lessen their environmental impact. It is intended for Canadian healthcare professionals working with pharmaceutical products for human use, including pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy assistants, nurses, physicians, educators, trainees and environmental services. It can also be a guide for legislators, waste management leads, and industry. Background information, resources, and considerations are included to provide guidance on more climate resilient and environmentally sustainable pharmaceutical waste management processes. The content of this playbook has been compiled from a range of subject matter experts, guidance documents, and resources.
The steps in this guide are contextualized by the worked examples and recommendations from the Critical Air Project team. Use the Notes section to brainstorm who to engage, ideas for action, and to check off completed steps.
Example clinical order set before and after planetary health lens. Original content by Island Health; Clinical review and local adaptation required before use at external health authorities.
