Think Globally
What are PPCPs?
Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are a growing concern in the recycling/disposal community. This category covers a range of products, including:
- Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications for humans/animals
- Cleaning agents
- Cosmetics
- Nutritional supplements
- Skin care products
These products are produced and used in larger volumes every year. Check out the situation by the numbers:
- A Maine Department of Environmental Protection study says use of over the counter medications have risen 60 percent since the 1990s.
- The University of Illinois reports approximately 4,600 tons of PPCPs are discarded annually in the U.S. alone.
- Anywhere from 20 to 60 percent of prescription medications go unused and are eventually disposed.