Oregon Sea Grant

Improper disposal of unused human and pet pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are an emerging public and watershed health threat around the world. Although some waste stream reduction programs such as PPCPs “take-back” exist, there is limited research in current programs on reducing the entry of PPCPs into the environment that focuses on what motivates people - specifically pet owners - to take stewardship actions with their pet PPCPs.  . . . the findings from this research shed light on the current status in use and disposal of pet PPCPs and indicate a positive relationship between the disposal of human and pet PPCPs. The study found that a majority of unused PPCPs are disposed of in the garbage or simply stored in households. For the most part, the pet-owning educators and veterinary care professionals in this study responded similarly, but differences did exist. Veterinary care professionals were driven more by economic factors, while educators were influenced more by environmental motivations. We examined how to understand some of the drivers and outcomes to this emerging contaminant issue in the environment through the HCAM framework to improve communication with stakeholders that can lead to more effective programs, studies, and policies on PPCPs stewardship.