Variable

Frequency, n

Percentage, %

The frequency of disposal of unfit medicines among facilities (N = 76)

Less than 5 years

23

30.2

5 - 10 years

4

5.3

Over 10 years

4

5.3

Never disposed

45

59.2

Disposal methods (N = 31)

Burning in open containers

16

51.6

Incineration

8

25.8

Others (e.g., Sewer, pour into sink and landfill)

7

22.6

Barriers to Proper Disposal (N = 76)

High Cost

38

50.0

Long and complex disposal procedures

20

26.3

Others (e.g lack of knowledge, lack of incinerators and difficulties in getting disposal permits)

18

23.7

Factors for the presence of unfit medicines (N = 76)

Inadequate demand

36

47.0

Short expiry dates

29

38.0

Others (e.g., Donated medicines, change of treatment regimen, returned by clients)

11

15.0

Handling of unfit medicines before disposal (N = 76)

Segregated from usable medicines

36

47.0

Store them in a separate place

36

47.0

Do not know how to handle

4

6.0