Household medicines, like all types of hazardous waste, require proper disposal. However, that is often not the case. It is estimated, according to researchers, that roughly 20% of drugs consumed at home are disposed of in the conventional sewage system or simply thrown away. In the face of this problem, the present study intends to explore the disposal of household medicines in the city of Betim, Minas Gerais, with a specific focus on the voluntary proper disposal program created by the city. In addition, the research intends to explore the state-of-the-art relationship between circular design and the handling of residential pharmaceutical waste. The research takes a qualitative approach and includes a case study, descriptive in nature. The expected outcomes are a description of the home waste disposal program as well as a theoretical cross-reference of design and waste management.

Authors: Aline Rodrigues Fonseca, Rita de Castro Engler, Armindo de Souza Teodósio, Luiz Fernando de Freitas Júnior, Mariana Costa Laktim, Travis Higgins