Advancing pharmaceutical waste management: An agent-based approach to enhance consumer participation in circular economy

The circular economy has emerged as a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear model. However, its application within the pharmaceutical sector remains underexplored, despite the significant environmental and social impact associated with the improper disposal of medications. This study addresses critical gaps in the literature by examining consumer behavior and return management dynamics, often overlooked in existing research. We propose an Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) approach to simulate the purchasing, usage, and disposal behaviors of consumers, aiming to evaluate the effectiveness of various strategies designed to enhance medication return systems. These strategies include consumer education on environmental risks and social benefits, pharmacist training, and expanding collection infrastructure. The model is informed by empirical data collected in a specific geographical context (Florence, Italy), reflecting the behavioral and infrastructural characteristics of the local population. The novelty of this work lies in the integration of behavioral, spatial, and strategic dimensions within a single ABM framework, applied for the first time in the pharmaceutical domain. Although implemented in a localized setting, the model’s structure and parameters are designed to be adaptable to other regions or countries, allowing for tailored applications based on local conditions. From a practical perspective, the model serves as a decision-support tool for policymakers and local authorities, facilitating the comparison of strategies according to behavioral profiles and infrastructure constraints. By identifying context-specific levers for intervention, this study contributes to the development of more effective and targeted initiatives for pharmaceutical waste management that support broader circular economy objectives and public health protection.