"Expansion of Disposal Medicine Mailbox Input and Collection...Significant Increase in Collection Rate"

The service of collecting expired medicines by depositing them into mailboxes has been in operation for two years, and the collection rate has significantly increased. The mailbox collection service for expired medicines, which has improved accessibility, is analyzed to have enhanced the project's effectiveness by aligning with the public's awareness of 'environmental protection.'

The Ministry of Science and ICT's Korea Post announced on the 22nd that 24,952 cases of medicines were collected through mailboxes from January to July this year.

A postal delivery worker is collecting expired medicines from a mailbox. Photo by Korea Post Headquarters

Korea Post started the 'Expired Medicine Collection Service' through mailboxes and collection boxes in Sejong City in January last year. This year, the project expanded to 44 local governments, becoming a nationwide initiative.

As a result, the number of expired medicines collected by July this year increased by 8,395 cases compared to the 16,557 cases collected throughout last year. If this trend continues, the annual collection rate for this year is expected to increase by up to 150% compared to the previous year.

In particular, in Sejong City, where the pilot project was first operated last year, and in Seoul, Naju, and other areas where the project was subsequently expanded, there has been an increase in citizens who empathize with the 'need for environmental protection' (an effect of improved awareness), according to analysis.

For example, Seoul recorded an average of 3.5 submissions per mailbox per month, highlighting the significant role of mailboxes in collecting expired medicines. Additionally, Sejong City saw a 92.4% reduction in the previous budget for expired medicine collection due to the project last year, and the amount collected increased by 6.5 tons. In Sejong, the number of collection points for expired medicines also increased by 74 locations, improving the process of disposing of expired medicines.

The 'Expired Medicine Collection Service' is implemented by sealing expired medicines in a bag, labeling it as 'Expired Medicine,' and depositing it into a mailbox. Postal delivery workers then collect and transport the medicines to incineration facilities. Expired medicines placed in collection boxes at health centers, community centers, and pharmacies are collected and processed in the same manner.

The collection of expired medicines utilizes the nationwide post office logistics network, enhancing the efficiency of the collection process. Korea Post also received the grand prize at last year's 'Government-wide Active Administration Competition' through this project.

Cho Hae-geun, head of Korea Post, stated, "We plan to gradually expand the areas for expired medicine collection using mailboxes by strengthening cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and local governments nationwide. Through this project, Korea Post will take the lead in enhancing public convenience and protecting the environment."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.