Andorra Opens Tender for Expired Medicines and Sharps Waste Collection

Government Opens Tender for Collection and Transport of Expired Medicines and Sharps Waste

Tender follows agreement with pharmacists to expand safe disposal network at CAPs and pharmacies

The Andorran government has launched a national tender for a service to collect and transport expired medicines and sharps waste from primary care centres (CAPs) and pharmacies. The initiative builds on a recent agreement between the Ministry of Environment, Agriculture and Livestock and the Official College of Pharmacists of Andorra to establish a broader network of collection points.

The selected company will handle pickups of expired medications and sharps generated by the public at both CAPs and pharmacies, following specific protocols for each waste type. It will also transport the materials to the appropriate waste management facility. Pharmacies will receive individual containers from the provider, enabling citizens to deliver sharps waste safely.

This setup maintains ongoing collection of expired medicines at CAPs while extending services to pharmacies. For the first time, it introduces a dedicated channel for household sharps waste, which previously lacked a formalised collection system. Officials note that the absence of such a network had led to improper handling and heightened risks during transport and manipulation.

All operations must adhere to current regulations, ensuring traceability and environmental safety measures. The contract runs from the signing date until 31 December 2029, with options for annual renewals—subject to government approval—up to a total of six years.

The open procedure tender uses standard processing. Companies can submit bids via the public sector contracting platform by 21 October.