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Help reduce medicine waste and protect the environment – Only order what you need
Every year, around 1.2 million medicines go to waste in Surrey Heartlands, and it’s having a big impact on the environment.
When medicines are wasted, they can’t be reused or recycled, and this adds to pollution and harms wildlife.
It also means that valuable NHS resources are being wasted.
That’s why a new campaign, called "Only Order What You Need", is starting this January.
It’s here to remind people to check their cupboards before ordering repeat prescriptions.
The campaign focuses on residents, aged 50 and over, as they’re the group most likely to have repeat prescriptions, but everyone can get involved.
Carers and families can also help by spreading the message.
If everyone checks what they already have at home and only orders what they truly need, it’ll make a big difference to the environment and ensure medicines are available for those who need them most.
When medicines are stockpiled at home, they often go out of date and become useless. They might even end up in places they shouldn’t, like in rivers or seas, which hurts the planet.
Keeping lots of medicines at home can also be unsafe for children or pets. If medicines are left unused, they can’t help anyone and just end up as harmful waste.
Linda Honey, Director of Pharmacy for Surrey Heartlands, says it’s really simple to make a difference:
Before ordering more medicines, just have a quick check at home. If you don’t need them, you can leave them for next time.
This small step helps stop waste and makes sure medicines are there for people who truly need them.
Here are some easy ways you can help:
- Only order the medicines you really need. If you skip an item on your prescription this time, it’ll still be there for you next time.
- Keep all your medicines in one safe spot at home so you can easily see what’s left.
- Use one pack at a time to keep track of what you’ve already taken.
- Mark your calendar about a week before your prescription is due to remind yourself to check what you’ve got at home. This helps you plan ahead for holidays or weekends.
If you’re not sure about your medicines or have any questions, your local pharmacy team is always happy to help.
And don’t forget—if you’ve got leftover or out-of-date medicines, take them back to the pharmacy for safe disposal.
By only ordering what you need, you’re helping to look after the planet, reduce waste, and ensure medicines are available for everyone who needs them.
Together, we can make a big difference for our environment and our community.
Find more information on medicines waste