Pharmaceutical waste refers to unused, expired, or discarded medications and their packaging. This type of waste can include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and any products that contain active pharmaceutical ingredients. Proper disposal is crucial to prevent environmental contamination and protect public health. Improper disposal of pharmaceutical waste can lead to harmful effects on ecosystems and water supplies. For example, flushing medications down the toilet can introduce toxins into waterways, affecting wildlife and potentially entering the drinking water supply. Therefore, many communities have established take-back programs to safely collect and dispose of these substances.