THE SIDE EFFECTS OF IMPROPER PHARMACEUTICAL WASTES DISPOSAL IN THE ENVIRONMENT Diploma in pharmaceutical technology ABSTRACT Medication disposal is an alarming issue today and gaining more and more awareness from the healthcare professionals as well as consumers. Pharmacists have the potential to be on the forefront of this movement as a healthcare professionals and pharmacists are in an admirable position to educate patients about safe drug disposal. Proper patient counselling on safe medication disposal can make a significant difference to public health and the environment. The knowledge on method of disposal of unused medicines is equally important as that of consumption of medicines. This study aims to determine the methods of pharmaceutical wastes disposal within Kisii town, determine the side effects of improper pharmaceutical wastes disposal within Kisii and to determine the classes of pharmaceutical wastes segregation in the environment within Kisii town. The information about methods of proper disposal as well as consequence of improper disposal was collected by extensive literature survey of all available resources as well as primary data obtained from questionnaires.Till date, researchers have acknowledged many human and veterinary pharmaceutical compounds at serious concentrations in drinking water resources and they are a major contributor to environmental pollution. Emphasis is also given on pharmacist role in proper disposal of unwanted and expired medicine makes a significant impact on the environment as well as it prevents accident, poisoning and intentional violence. So it will lead to the welfare of society and trudge towards goal of health for all. Among the findings, included the major impacts of improper pharmaceutical wastes disposal i.e. pollution, antibiotics resistance, effects on animals populations. Both unwanted drugs i.e. expired and discontinued medications as well as their packaging materials were found in the environment within Kisii. Among others the most disposal means of pharmaceutical wastes were to be use of flash sinks, open burning and incineration.