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Abstract
The amount of waste pharmaceuticals generated in households has increased steadily, due to societal and production changes. Therefore, managing household pharmaceutical waste (HPW) is an important challenge for our society. The study presents a comparative assessment of HPW management in Albania and practices in European countries, followed by recommendations on building a functional management system for HPW in Albania. Public and pharmacist perception on this issue is a key element in achieving sustainable waste management goals. The amount of waste pharmaceuticals stored remains low, with 86% respondents storing several tablets, primarily antipyretics (53). Regarding pharmacists, 86% responded that they don’t accept expired/unused products from patients, even though the demand from the latter is almost absent; 88% of the pharmacists refuse to cover the cost of waste generated by family members. The Albanian legislative and regulatory framework remains fragmented and incomplete, creating uncertainty regarding the responsibilities, competencies, and administrative regulatory roles of various actors.
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Article Type: Research Article
EUR J SUSTAIN DEV RES, Volume 10, Issue 3, 2026, Article No: em0393
https://doi.org/10.29333/ejosdr/18314
Publication date: 01 Jul 2026
Online publication date: 05 Apr 2026
Article Views: 12
Article Downloads: 6
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