Pharmaceutical Waste

The Integrated Care Board (ICB) commissions clinical waste collection and disposal services for community pharmacies and other primary care providers.

From April 2026, PHS Group provides the clinical waste collection and disposal service under the ICB’s new contract. Anenta Ltd acts as the ICB’s contract management agent, managing service delivery and contract administration on the ICB’s behalf.

Pharmacy contractors should be aware that the service may differ from previous arrangements, including:

• revised collection days;
• different sizes or types of waste receptacles (including the use of reusable sharps containers where appropriate);
• changes to waste treatment and disposal arrangements; and
• an increased emphasis on the correct segregation of offensive waste to support environmental and financial sustainability.

Contractors should ensure they respond promptly to any requests for information from Anenta and follow the clinical waste service guidance provided.

For all enquiries relating to the clinical waste service, contractors should contact Anenta, rather than PHS Group. Support is available by:

• logging into the Vector portal and raising a service ticket via “How can we help?”; or
• calling 03301 222 143.

Further details can be found on the CPE website or details on how to register with Anenta.

You must register with the Environment Agency if you have any controlled drugs that have been denatured. This is known as a T28 exemption. and can be completed online on the Environment Agency’s website. The exemption for denaturing controlled drugs is valid for controlled drugs produced on the premises and from households as seen in the EA’s regulatory position statement.

Further details are on the CPE website.