How much medicine is wasted annually in England, and what is the estimated financial cost to the NHS?

According to the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), 3,400 tonnes of partly used medicines were disposed of in England in 2024–25 — an amount that could fill 75 swimming pools — costing the NHS at least £480 million annually.

What are the main recommendations from the NPA and health experts to reduce medicine waste?

The NPA recommends that patients with multiple repeat prescriptions have more regular medication reviews to identify and discontinue unnecessary medicines, avoid 'over ordering' prescriptions, and only request medicines they are certain they will use; health experts like Dr Rasha Abdelsalam Elshenawy stress that leftover antibiotics taken without medical advice contribute to antimicrobial resistance, underscoring the need for both prudent prescribing and patient engagement via pharmacists.

Wasted Medicines in England Could Fill 75 Swimming Pools Yearly, Pharmacy Group Says

Aug 8, 2026

The National Pharmacy Association estimates 3,400 tonnes of unused medicines are discarded annually in England, costing the NHS £480m. Experts warn this waste poses financial, environmental, and patient safety risks, including antimicrobial resistance.

theguardian

2026-08-08

Wasted Medicines in England Could Fill 75 Swimming Pools Yearly, Pharmacy Group Says

Wasted Medicines in England Could Fill 75 Swimming Pools Yearly, Pharmacy Group Says

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