News
Extend Producer Responsibility Compliance-Webinar
National, | Apr 25, 2025
Join the Health Products Stewardship Association for an informative online webinar titled “Environmental Compliance for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Sharps: A Cross-Country Overview.” This session is essential for producers, retailers, and brand owners seeking to understand their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations across Canada. 📅 Date: May 6 🕐 Time: 1:00 PM EST 🗣️ Language: English […]
Montréal, Quebec — October 2, 2024 — The Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA) is proud to announce the introduction of a return program for the safe disposal of unused consumer medications and used medical sharps at participating collection locations. “The safe disposal of unused medications and used medical sharps protects our environment and our communities,” […]
HPSA announces appointment of New CEO
Ontario, | Sep 24, 2024
Toronto, September 24 – The Board of Directors of the Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Delphine Lagourgue as Chief Executive Officer, effective January 1, 2025. Delphine Lagourgue will succeed Terri Drover, who has successfully led the organization as President & CEO since June 2020. Under Terri’s leadership, HPSA […]
National, | Sep 23, 2024
The Board would like to share an important milestone in the journey of the Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA). After four and a half years of exemplary dedication and leadership, Terri Drover, our CEO, has decided to retire. This will mark a significant moment for our organization and will take effect on December 31, 2024. […]
Ontario, | Sep 11, 2024
Circular Materials and the Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA) are excited to announce a strategic collaboration focused on advancing common goals and sharing best practices for recycling education and material management in Ontario and New Brunswick to enhance public awareness and support recycling. This collaboration will promote recycling practices and educate residents about the proper management […]
New Brunswick’s program launch
New Brunswick, | Feb 26, 2024
A Call to Action to New Brunswickers: bring back your unwanted medications and used medical sharps. Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA) and Recycle NB announced a new program for New Brunswickers to return unwanted medications and used medical sharps to participating collection locations. “Proper disposal of unwanted medications protects our environment and our communities. Since […]
Approval of New Brunswick Stewardship Plan for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Sharps
New Brunswick, | Aug 24, 2023
We are pleased to announce that Recycle NB has approved our New Brunswick Stewardship Plan for Pharmaceuticals and Medical Sharps. The plan outlines HPSA operational and management strategy for implementing an extended producer responsibility (EPR) pharmaceuticals and medical sharps program within New Brunswick starting January 1, 2024. HPSA looks forward to supporting producers in meeting […]
Major need for Canadian families to improve safe handling and disposal of medications at home
National, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, PEI, | Aug 8, 2023
Survey shows a gap between understanding of the harmful effects of accessible medications at home, and action to prevent it TORONTO, August 8, 2023 – Survey data released today highlights a discrepancy amongst parents of youth and teens in Canada, between the awareness of safe medication practices and the corresponding action around safe handling, storage, […]
New 1.8L sharps containers available in Ontario, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island
National, Manitoba, Ontario, PEI, | Jul 24, 2023
HPSA’s new 1.8L sharps containers are now available in Ontario, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island. This new sharps container has a sustainable design made from recycled plastic and comes with an updated instruction label. HPSA understands the importance of convenience when it comes to storing used sharps, which is why the new 1.8L containers are […]
Press Release – Critical need to reignite action on safe disposal of unwanted household medications
National, | May 15, 2023
Research indicates an opportunity to increase safe practices for the protection of households, communities, and the environment. TORONTO, May 15, 2023 – Today, the Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA) – a national not-for-profit that operates return programs for unwanted medications and used medical sharps across British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba and Prince Edward Island – is […]
HPSA Launches New 1.8L Sharps Containers in Ontario Pharmacies!
Ontario, | Apr 12, 2023
Attention all Ontario residents! HPSA has exciting news for you – we’ve just launched our new 1.8L sharps containers, which are now available at many pharmacies across the province. Our new sharps containers have a sustainable design made from recycled plastic and come with an updated instruction label. We understand the importance of convenience when […]
Manitoba Medications Return and Sharps Collection Program Plan Renewal
Manitoba, | Jan 3, 2023
HPSA is renewing its Medications Return and Sharps Collection Program Plan in Manitoba. Please click on the link to consult the draft MMRP and MSCP plan. Contact us with any comments at info@healthsteward.ca
National, | Aug 8, 2022
Recent survey also reveals that more than half of Canadian parents dispose of medications improperly, leading to contamination of communities and waterways TORONTO, August 8, 2022 – Canadian families have more work to do when it comes to medication storage, education and action around safe medication handling and disposal. A recent survey from the Health […]
National, | May 20, 2022
Health Products Stewardship Association’s 2022 Annual General Meeting will take place virtually on Thursday, June 16, 2022, from 1:00 to 2:00 pm ET. The AGM has the sole means available to attend, ask questions and vote. HPSA members: this is a unique opportunity to inquire, learn and ask questions regarding stewardship programs for health products […]
OECD Green Talks Live webinar on the Management of Pharmaceutical Household Waste
National, | May 3, 2022
We’re excited to announce that on May 10th, Director-General of Health Products Stewardship Association, Terri Drover will be a panellist in the upcoming OECD – Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development Green Talks Live webinar on the Management of Pharmaceutical Household Waste. Unpacking the Management of Pharmaceutical Household Waste report prepared by OECD and with support from […]
National, | Mar 21, 2022
As of March 21, 2022, HPSA retires its previous logo that has represented the association for many years. The new logo brings HPSA’s purpose to the forefront, with a modern touch and an improved representation of who we are as an organization. It symbolizes our mission to protect our environment and communities by providing access […]
Management of Pharmaceutical Household Waste – Report By OECD
National, | Aug 3, 2021
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) published a document on the management of pharmaceutical household waste. The document describes global practices and regulations on medication take-back programs. Click here to read more.
A call to action for all Canadians
National, | Jul 14, 2021
Today, we’re issuing an urgent call to action for Canadians to clear out their medicine cabinets of unwanted medications and bring them into a pharmacy for safe disposal. This call to action comes at a critical time. Not only has COVID-19 further exacerbated the rate of accidental drug poisoning, but many provinces are reporting a […]
Old meds be gone – How to dispose of medications safely?
National, | May 3, 2021
Find program participating pharmacies on a drop-off location map.
National, | Feb 25, 2021
Effective March 31, 2021, the HPSA office is moving to a new address. 3800 Steeles Ave West, Suite 301A Woodbridge, ON, L4L 4G9 Please redirect all correspondences accordingly. Thank you!
New Sharps Collection Program Launch in Manitoba
National, | Feb 16, 2021
The Ministry of Conservation and Climate of Manitoba has approved the Manitoba Sharps Collection Program (MSCP) and it is now officially launched. Click here to read the official news release.
Latest Updates from HPSA – PEI Autumn Newsletter for Pharmacists
PEI, | Jan 21, 2021
This newsletter covers several topics, including updated FAQ on our webpage and HPSA’s social media pages. Click here to read.
Latest Updates from HPSA – British Columbia Autumn Newsletter for Pharmacists
British Columbia, | Jan 21, 2021
This newsletter covers several topics, including requesting service online, Updated FAQ on our webpage and HPSA’s social media pages. Click here to read.
Latest Updates from HPSA – Manitoba Autumn Newsletter for Pharmacists
Manitoba, | Jan 21, 2021
This newsletter covers several topics, including requesting service online, the new Manitoba Sharps Collection Program, Updated FAQ on our webpage and HPSA’s social media pages. Click here to read.
Latest Updates from HPSA – Ontario Autumn Newsletter for Pharmacists
Ontario, | Jan 21, 2021
This newsletter covers several topics, including requesting service online, Updated FAQ on our webpage and HPSA’s social media pages. Click here to read.
Safe Storage and Disposal of Medications during the COVID-19 Pandemic
National, | Nov 6, 2020
Storing medications safely at home and returning products to the pharmacy when they are no longer needed are important ways to prevent harm. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacies may not be accepting medication returns for disposal, or they may have new ways of taking them back. Take a look at the newsletter from the […]
Evidence Summary on the Prevention of Poisoning in Canada
National, | Nov 6, 2020
The Evidence Summary on the Prevention of Poisoning describes the current poisoning problem in Canada, using data from hospitals, poison centres and death records. It also highlights best practices for poison prevention, current initiatives in Canada, and recommendations for future actions we can take. The summary is prepared by Parachute Canada and Injury Prevention Centre, […]
Manitoba Sharps Collection Program Plan DRAFT
Manitoba, | Oct 21, 2020
Click here to read the Draft Manitoba Sharps Collection Program Plan for 2020-2023
Health Canada Bulletin – Requirements for Post-Consumer Returns
National, | Sep 25, 2020
This bulletin replaces the bulletin dated April 16, 2020. The period of validity of the bulletin has been extended up to March 31, 2021. The Office of Controlled Substances (OCS) of Health Canada issued a bulletin, providing pharmacists with information on temporary exceptional measures for post-consumer returns containing controlled substances and recommendations to help reduce […]
Lifetime Achievement For Ginette Vanasse
National, | Jun 22, 2020
Each year the Recycling Council of B.C. recognizes the valuable contribution that individuals and organizations make towards the preservation and protection of British Columbia’s environment. Ginette Vanasse from Health Products Stewardship Association received Lifetime Achievement Award by RCBC in recognition of her role over the years in the recycling space.
Health Products Stewardship Association Welcomes The New Director-General, Terri Drover
National, | May 28, 2020
Please find enclosed the New DG Announcement
HPSA ON Spring 2020 Newsletter
Ontario, | May 28, 2020
Please find enclosed Spring Newsletter for Ontario Newletter 2020 Spring ON
HPSA MB Spring 2020 Newsletter
Manitoba, | May 28, 2020
Please find enclosed Spring Newsletter for Manitoba Newletter 2020 Spring MB
HPSA PE Spring 2020 Newsletter
PEI, | May 28, 2020
Please find enclosed Spring Newsletter for Prince Edward Island Newletter 2020 Spring PEI
HPSA BC Spring 2020 Newsletter
British Columbia, | May 28, 2020
Please find enclosed Spring Newsletter for British Columbia Newletter 2020 Spring BC
Health Canada Bulletin – Requirements for Post-Consumer Returns Containing Controlled Substances
National, | Apr 20, 2020
On April 16th, 2020, the Office of Controlled Substances (OCS) of Health Canada issued a bulletin, providing pharmacists with information on temporary exceptional measures for post-consumer returns containing controlled substances and recommendations to help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
Health Products Stewardship Association – Important notice
National, | Mar 19, 2020
March 18th, 2020 To all pharmacy manager, As concerns about the COVID-19 continue to grow here in Canada, Health Product Stewardship Association would like to confirm that at this time there is no interruption of services and our collection and deliveries of supplies for HPSA stewardship programs will be maintained by our service providers (Whitecap, […]
PEI, | Dec 13, 2019
Please find enclosed Fall newsletter for Prince Edward Island: HPSA_Newsletter_2019_Fall_PEI
Manitoba, | Dec 13, 2019
Please find enclosed Fall newsletter for Manitoba: HPSA_Newsletter_2019_Fall_MB
Ontario, | Dec 13, 2019
Please find enclosed Fall newsletter for British Columbia: HPSA_Newsletter_2019_Fall_BC
Ontario, | Dec 13, 2019
Please find enclosed Fall newsletter for Ontario: HPSA_Newsletter_2019_Fall_ON
First Indigenous Led Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group
British Columbia, | Oct 23, 2019
IZWTAG (Indigenous Zero Waste Technical Advisory Group), is an Indigenous led society dedicated to implementing environmentally-responsible waste management in First Nations communities. It is hosting a gathering which includes representatives from 25 of the 60 First Nations across B.C. that are operating zero-waste facilities or programs; this gathering is being held in conjunction with the […]
National, Ontario, | Aug 1, 2019
Keeping old meds in your medicine cabinet, where kids can find them, is never a good idea. It’s not as if someone else is going to return them to the drugstore for you. Return your meds to your location pharmacy Today! Si la fée des pilules existait, elle vous dirait que vos médicaments d’ordonnance […]
It’s simple- just take back old prescriptions
National, | Apr 20, 2018
LOCK UP OR TURN IN YOUR Rx DRUGS The Health Products Stewardship Association and participating pharmacies will be joining a national initiative to help keep our kids safe. The information was develop through the understanding that parents don’t think their children are at the stage yet, the creative focused on encouraging parental action and return […]
Proper Disposal of Post- Consumer Medication Returns
Ontario, | Mar 28, 2018
Find out more about our programs in the Winter 2018 issue of Pharmacy Connection by the Ontario College of Pharmacist on pg.30 This article has important informatio regarding safe disposal of controlled sustances returned by a member of the public. http://www.ocpinfo.com/library/pharmacy-connection/download/ocp_pharmacy…
**NEW** Sharps Collection Disposal Container
HPSA is proud to introduce New Sharps Disposal containers available in ON and PEI ONLY. Safely dispose of your used sharps devices by following these steps: 1-Recap needle and place into the approved sharp container offered free of charge at any participating pharmacy 2-Once the sharp waste has reached the designated fill line, snap lid closed […]
Opioids for pain after surgery: Your questions answered!
National, | Mar 2, 2018
Opioids for pain after surgery: Your questions answered! For more information about Opioids after surgery, please visit ChoosingWisely or Opioidstewardship SIGN UP FOR UPDATES Your ProvinceABBCMBNBNLNTNSNUONPEQCSKYT
National, | Feb 16, 2018
We our proud to introduce the Canada Recyclepedia App. The National App, available for both Iphones & Androids, provides users a list of the 10 nearest locations to recycle your unused/expires meds as well as full sharps containers, based on your location, as well as a Google map with directions. Both App’s provide the option […]
British Columbia, | May 26, 2017
May 9, 2017 For immediate release: BC pharmacists help residents safely destroy 88.7 tonnes of household pharmaceutical waste Pharmacists in British Columbia helped residents safely destroy 88.7 tonnes of expired or unused medications in 2016, reports the Health Product Stewardship Association (HPSA) which manages the Medications Return Program in the province. “Our […]
British Columbia, | May 26, 2017
#FAQFridays We are launching a new social medica outreach campaign, in association with the Recycling Council of British Columbia. For more information visit the links below and watch videos about #FAQFridays https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL5t-QRzBSq4qNBS5QiaB3MhJcm1Hl1fTZ&v=YiKL-nSOArE https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1udyAK4tW4
National, | May 24, 2017
May 9, 2017 A staggering 386 tonnes of unwanted medications safely destroyed in 2016 Ottawa – Canadians and their pharmacists in four provinces have helped safely destroy a staggering 386 tonnes of unused or expired medications in 2016, says the Health Product Stewardship Association (HPSA) which manages medications return programs in British Columbia, […]
PEI, | May 24, 2017
May 9, 2017 PEI pharmacists help residents safely destroy 6.8 tonnes of household pharmaceutical and sharps waste Ottawa –Pharmacists on Prince Edward Island helped residents safely destroy 4.2 tonnes of expired or unused medications and 2.6 tonnes of sharps — needles, lancets and alike — in 2016 in the province’s first full year […]
Ontario, | May 24, 2017
May 9, 2017 For immediate release: Ontario pharmacists help residents safely destroy 551 tonnes of household pharmaceutical and sharps waste Ottawa – Nearly 4,000 pharmacists throughout Ontario helped residents in the province safely destroy 273 tonnes of expired or unused medications and 278 tonnes of sharps — needles, lancets and alike — […]
B.C. Medications Return Program Plan 2017
British Columbia, | Oct 31, 2016
The Health Products Stewardship Association recently renewed it`s program plan for 2017 and beyond. Please view the update plan by clicking on the link here.
Fish can’t say no to drugs, so #ReturnYourMeds
National, | Oct 17, 2016
In May, the BC Pharmacy Association partnered with the Vancouver Police Department, Metro Vancouver, London Drugs and the Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA) to urge the public to safely dispose of their medications to ensure they don’t get into the wrong hands or pollute the environment. Given the prediction by BC Health Minister Terry Lake […]
British Columbia, | Oct 13, 2016
Notice of Public Consultation – BC Medications Return Stewardship Plan Renewal The Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA) will be holding public consultations regarding amendments to its stewardship plan renewals for the period of 2017 to 2021. In-person consultations will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. at the Coast Waste Management Association conference at […]
British Columbia, | Sep 15, 2016
Visit the video below for a short video about Stericycle – Our Story https://vimeo.com/user17270865/review/73721479/fb6d90cae9 Stericycle – Reduce, Reuse , Recycle
BC Recycle Summer Ambassadors Tour – Global News Segment
Yukon, | Sep 12, 2016
BC Recycles Summer Ambassadors Abbey Deppiesse and Skye Mandin were visiting more than 2,000 collection facilities to promote responsible disposal of common household products including medication. For the full interview on Global News check link http://globalnews.ca/video/2890993/bc-recycles-summer-ambassador-tour
Prescription Drugs Misuses by Teens
National, | Mar 16, 2016
Teen Takers, the latest PDFC campaign deals with prescription drug misuse by teens. As they get older, kids tend to help themselves to a lot of things that don’t belong to them around the house, mostly for their own benefit. But what happens when this behaviour reaches the medicine cabinet? This PSA campaign will engage parents […]
Brunswick farmers are invited to safely dispose of their livestock (including equine) medications
New Brunswick, | Nov 4, 2015
FREDERICTON, Nov. 2, 2015 /CNW/ – New Brunswick farmers are invited to safely and responsibly dispose of their unwanted or obsolete pesticides and livestock (including equine) medications from November 2-13. CleanFARMS, an industry-led, national not-for-profit agricultural waste management organization, in partnership with the Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI), is offering this program at no cost to farmers. “New Brunswick farmers are […]
Pharmaceuticals in wastewater target of NS sewage treatment study
Nova Scotia, | Sep 21, 2015
Researchers at Acadia University are researching new methods by which trace amounts of pharmaceuticals can be broken down by bacteria already present in wastewater at sewage treatment plants. Read the full article here.
Island Medications Return and Sharps Collection Programs
PEI, | Aug 17, 2015
The new Island Medications Return Program and Island Sharps Collection Program were officially launched at a press conference in Charlottetown on July 22, 2015. “It’s terrific that the Health Products Stewardship Association is now operating these excellent programs, in collaboration with the PEI Pharmacists Association and Island Waste Management Corporation, which are in line with […]
National Medicine Take-Back Campaign
National, | Aug 10, 2015
The Vernon Morning Star published a great article this past weekend detailing this year’s National Medicine Take-Back Campaign and the importance of returning your unused and expired medications. You can view the article here.
Shoppers Drug Mart partners with the Partnership for a Drug Free Canada
National, | Jul 15, 2015
Shopper’s Drug Mart is partnering with the Partnership for a Drug Free Canada for the National Medicine Take-Back Campaign for the third time. This year’s campaign, which allows Canadians to drop off expired or unused medication at their local pharmacy, will also include Loblaw Pharmacy, bringing the total number of drop-off locations to 1,800. This […]
What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet?
Manitoba, | May 4, 2015
WINNIPEG, MB May 1, 2015 – Pharmacists Manitoba in partnership with the Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA), the Winnipeg Police Service, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are reminding Manitobans to check their homes for unused or expired medications and return them to pharmacies on May 9, 2015 – the third annual National Prescription Drug […]
British Columbia, | Feb 2, 2015
The Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA) is pleased to announce its support for the BC Pharmacy Association’s new campaign to encourage the public to dispose of their unused and expired medications in a responsible manner. The ‘Fish Don’t Do Drugs’ video is a stark reminder that the proper way to dispose of medications is to […]
I Don’t Flush Public Awareness Campaign Launched in Ontario
Ontario, | Oct 17, 2014
TORONTO, ON — October 15, 2014 — Urging consumers to take a closer look at their water use habits, the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) and the Clean Water Foundation (CWF) – in conjunction with The Regional Municipality of York Region, the Region of Peel and the Health Products Stewardship Association, launch the I don’t […]
Ontario Residents Return 750 Tonnes of Pharmaceuticals and Sharps
Ontario, | Sep 9, 2014
OTTAWA, Sept. 10, 2014 – Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA) is pleased to announce that Residents of Ontario returned 750 tonnes of pharmaceuticals and sharps from households for proper disposal between Oct. 1, 2012 and December 31, 2013. Almost 90% of the unused/expired pharmaceuticals and used sharps were returned by residents to retail pharmacies registered […]
HPSA Announces 543 Tonnes Diverted from Ontario Landfills in 2013
Ontario, | May 5, 2014
2013 Annual Report Issued for Sharps and Pharmaceuticals Extended Producer Responsibility Programs in Ontario – 543 Tonnes Collected OTTAWA – Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA) is pleased to announce the release of the first Annual Report for the Ontario Sharps Collection Program and the Ontario Medications Return Program. The two programs are the first and […]
HPSA to support 2014 National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day
Ontario, | Apr 23, 2014
The Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA) proudly announces its support and involvement with the 2014 National Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day. This year’s event takes place Saturday May 10th, and HPSA is encouraging the public to check their medicine cabinets for unused and expired medications. The one day take back is a community-safety initiative led by […]
Prescription Drug Take-Back Campaign 2014
National, | Apr 8, 2014
The Partnership for a Drug Free Canada launched a new national multimedia campaign in June in collaboration with Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix that focuses on returning all unused medications to participating pharmacies. Visit their YouTube channel to see their latest TV message.
Toronto’s Prescription Drug Drop-Off Day nets nearly 200 kilograms
Ontario, | May 15, 2013
Five locations across the city were available for members of the public to dispose of any unwanted or expired medication in a safe and secure way. The different amounts collected at the different locations amassed a grand total of more than 196 kilograms. If you missed Prescription Drop Off day, it is not too late. […]
Health Products Stewardship Association
Yukon, | May 9, 2013
Members/Pharmacists; When the Post-Consumer Pharmaceutical Stewardship Association (PCPSA) was established in 1999, it was done to educate consumers and collect unused or expired pharmaceutical. Since then, the association has grown to accept all medications and since 2013, we also administer a program for sharp devices in Ontario. Simply put, we have outgrown our name. To […]
HPSA Celebrates One Year Mark In Ontario
Ontario, | Dec 31, 2012
The role of Municipalities and Producer programs in extended producer responsibility by Brad Wright One Year Mark for Extended Producer Responsibility of Pharmaceuticals and Sharps in Ontario Health Products Stewardship Association (HPSA) is pleased to announce the performance results from the first year of the (OSCP) and the (OMRP), the first two extended producer responsibility (EPR) […]
Manitoba, | Jul 19, 2012
Medications Return Program e- newsletter is published by HPSA to keep participating pharmacies informed with respect to recent developments in the Manitoba Medications Return Program.
Why Recycling Medication Matters
National, | Jul 8, 2012
The Medications Return Program encourages British Columbians to responsibly dispose of expired or unused medications. Why is this important? Unused medications left at home or tossed in the garbage, can be found by children and animals and abused by youth or street users. Tossing down the toilet or the drain is not recommended. Is this […]