The Determination of Green Criteria and Sub-Criteria for Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal Practices in Malaysia

Abstract

The green element should be considered as one of the secure and safe methods of disposing of pharmaceutical wastes since they are categorized as hazardous substances. However, there are still many pharmaceutical wastes that are not disposed of in the right way, making the level of pollution arising. Hence, the research in this paper aims at determining the green criteria and sub-criteria for pharmaceutical waste disposal practices in Malaysia. The research adopted a qualitative research approach, involving three phases of the research process, which are (i) identifying the criteria and sub-criteria from the literature, (ii) verifying the green criteria and sub-criteria with the experts, and (iii) determining the meaningful green criteria and sub-criteria for pharmaceutical waste disposal practices that are suitable to be employed in Malaysia. Findings from this research suggested four main green criteria, namely economic, environmental, social, and technical, and 31 green sub-criteria, which have been grouped according to each main criterion specified for pharmaceutical waste disposal practices in Malaysia. The finding from this research can provide guidelines for the authorities and related parties who are responsible for managing pharmaceutical waste in selecting appropriate ways of disposing of the pharmaceutical waste by embedding the green criteria and sub-criteria in their strategies and policies planning.