Tech Refresher: Techs can help reduce single-use plastics—and more

With the healthcare industry in Canada responsible for nearly 5% of the total national greenhouse gas emissions, any steps that pharmacy technicians can introduce into their pharmacy to reduce emissions can have an impact. For example, Ontario pharmacist Janet Chong-Lee has launched a reusable medication bottle program that she says pharmacy technicians could take the lead on implementing. VialCycle provides pharmacies in the Greater Toronto Area the option of using 100% pharmaceutical-grade glass bottles sourced locally as a more sustainable alternative to plastic. Pharmacies can buy the bottles from VialCycle and then sell them to their patients at a slight markup.Read: Exploring efforts to reduce single-use plastics in healthcare“Pharmacy technicians are the glue that keeps the dispensary running,” says Chong-Lee, founder and CEO of VialCycle. “From accepting returned vials, to checking for cracks or damage, to preparing them for pickup or washing, these steps can slot naturally into existing workflows.” In most pharmacies, she notes that technicians are handling a lot of the behind-the-scenes logistics and this just adds a sustainability layer to what they’re already doing well. Techs could also offer VialCycle as an option to patients at prescription drop-off, she adds. “Technicians are integral to the whole process.”VialCycle is interested in working with pharmacy partners on pilot projects or finding other options to get the program into practice. For more information, visit www.vialcyle.ca. Read: CAPhE raising awareness around environmental impact of medicationsBeyond vials, Chong-Lee says techs can look at where else plastic is showing up—auxiliary labels, pharmacy bags or packaging, for example—and explore more eco-friendly swaps.Techs could even play a role in suggesting more environmentally friendly products to carry in the pharmacy, such as zero-waste toothpaste, dental floss and deodorant. “It’s about being sustainability-minded in the small, everyday choices,” she says.“Pharmacy technicians are the unsung heroes of the dispensary,” says Chong-Lee. “If we’re serious about reducing our environmental footprint, we need to make sure they’re not just included but that they’re leading the charge.” Whether it’s reusing bottles, helping patients safely dispose of medications, or cutting down on daily waste, techs have the power to make pharmacy greener from the inside out. “We don’t need to overhaul the whole system overnight—but we do need to start somewhere—and pharmacy techs are a great place to start,” she says.This article appeared in the June/July 2025 issue of Tech Talk. Find it and other Tech Talk issues here.

Tech Refresher: Techs can help reduce single-use plastics—and more

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