Andorra Opens Tender for Expired Medicines and Sharps Waste Collection

The Andorran government has launched a public tender for the collection and transport of expired medicines and sharps waste from primary care centres and pharmacies, building on a recent agreement with the Official College of Pharmacists.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock, aims to expand collection points by incorporating pharmacies alongside centres of primary attention (CAPs). Selected providers will handle waste pickup from these locations, transport it to designated management facilities, and supply pharmacies with individual containers for safe public drop-offs. A key innovation is the introduction of a dedicated circuit for household sharps waste—such as needles—which residents can now deposit securely at pharmacies.

Until now, no formalised collection network existed for household sharps, raising risks of improper handling and transport incidents, according to government statements. The system maintains existing expired medicines collection at CAPs while broadening access overall, with all operations requiring full traceability, regulatory compliance, and environmental protections.

The contract runs from the signing date until 31 December 2029, with annual renewals possible—subject to government approval—for up to six years total. Bids are open under national procedures via the public procurement platform until 21 October.