Currently the waste management in Europe, the U.S., Japan and other countries is more emphasized on the systems of producer responsibility that are based on the principles of “polluter pays” and hazardous substance minimization. In addition, the producers themselves should be in charge of recycling schemes to perform recycling works. Based on the conclusion of an expert meeting in this project, we proposed the product producers using aluminous and ferrous containers are more appropriate to be released from the due-recycled list. However, the majority of producers consider the current national recycling system works smoothly and promoting private recycling schemes is not necessary. From the administrative perspective, with the assistance and regulations from the government, de-listing the due-recycled items can let producers take the physical recycling responsibility and simplify the responsibility of government to only supervision and monitoring. The recycling technology of waste glass containers is mainly composed of the steps of inspection, washing, crushing, heat melting, molding and cooling. Through these steps, waste glass is then transformed into high-valued products, such as various types of glass art works. For drug containers, the general public can return used containers to sanitary squads, private collectors and designated retailers for the further recycling process while the remained drugs can be collected and then incinerated with other solid wastes. We also proposed three indices for the evaluation of drug container recycling in the future: collection amounts, recycling fees and drug concentrations in the ambient environment. We suggested the producers of drugs to be the responsible party if the drug containers are one-time-use types. However, if drugs are held in drug bags, films, cloth, foils, or, non-due-recycled ferrous, aluminous, glass, paper and plastic containers, drug producers should be exempted from the recycling responsibility. Besides, the reusable containers for both prescriptive and non-prescriptive pharmaceutical materials should not be regulated at this point.

Private Recycling、Waste Glass Containers、Waste Drug Containers