Reducing the harms of drug use on the environment
Friday, 15 August 2025
Harm reduction should mean not just reducing the impact of drug use on our bodies, but also reducing the impact of drug use on the environment. The environmental impact of drug use is something that is rarely discussed or considered. However, in light of the current global pollution and climate crises, it has become increasingly important to consider how we can reduce the impacts of human activity on the climate in all areas. This article aims to explore some of the ways that we, as people who use drugs, can achieve that goal.
Sustainability is integral to traditional culture
It would be remiss not to mention the traditional importance of sustainability in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Indeed, sustainability was and remains at the forefront of Aboriginal culture. You never took more than what you needed. You cared for the land, and in return the land cared for you.
Practical tips
If your drugs come in plastic baggies, you may be able to return these plastic baggies for reuse to your dealer. Especially bags which were used to sell pot (cannabis), as these are usually larger than bags used to sell chemicals (substances).
You should never return baggies which you have used a needle to draw the substance from, as this could put others at risk of hep C or HIV
If possible, reduce your tobacco use. Tobacco remains one of the most toxic drugs to our planet. The growing of tobacco has toxic effects on the environment in which it’s grown, whilst the smoking of tobacco releases toxic chemicals into the air. When you do choose to smoke cigarettes, please dispose of your butts thoughtfully (putting them back into the packet and throwing the whole packet away once empty is a good idea)
If you drink alcohol, make sure that you recycle any bottles or cans that your drinks come in.
If you are dealing (selling) drugs then consider providing an incentive to your customers for providing their own reusable containers. For example, you can increase your prices by $10 but tell everyone that they’ll get a $10 discount if they bring a reusable container with them. Glass jars (such as washed and dried vegemite or jam jars) are fantastic for this purpose.
Avoid disposable vapes. If you choose to vape, a vape which is refillable is better for the environment (and cheaper too).
Consider responsibly disposing of unwanted drugs. There are several reasons that a person may choose to dispose of drugs on their possession. Such as deciding on abstinence or finding your drugs have been contaminated with something unexpected. Whatever the reason, you should dispose of any unwanted substances thoughtfully. Prescription medications can be returned to a pharmacy where they can destroy them appropriately. Similarly, illegal substances can be surrendered to a police station. However, due to fears of self-incrimination many people will not choose this option. Flushing unwanted drugs down the toilet can be extremely bad for the environment and have devastating effects on marine life. If you cannot safely surrender your unwanted drugs, then throwing them in the trash or digging a hole and burying them is a better option than the toilet.
Always dispose of your sharps responsibly. Best practice is to place any used injecting equipment into a sharps container and return them to a collection box (located at public hospitals and NPS). If you cannot do this, then storing your sharps in a thick plastic container (such as a laundry detergent bottle) and labelling it as “biohazard” before throwing it into the trash, will reduce chances of needlestick injury.
Remember to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle where you can. However, reduce reuse and recycle does not apply to your injecting equipment (unused equipment is always best).
Needle caps are uncontaminated waste and accepted for recycling. Remember, you should never try to recap a needle.