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Chemical collection and stock control for UK schools, universities and hospitals

Amoxicillin (CAS 26787-78-0): storage and disposal

Injection powder in vials, tablets in blister packs and the odd tub of bulk powder are the forms of amoxicillin held in pharmacies, clinics and veterinary practices. It is classified as possibly causing an allergic skin reaction and as possibly causing allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled. For staff already sensitised to penicillins, a dusty shelf of old stock is the real concern.

CAS number
26787-78-0
Form
Solid
Storage class
General
Signal word
Danger
Usual EWC code
16 05 06*
  • Serious health hazard pictogramSerious health hazard

What to do this week

  1. Check the label is readable and write down the opened date if it is not already there.
  2. Check it is stored as general stock and apart from the items listed under "Do not store with".
  3. If you no longer need it, add it to your disposal list so it goes on the next collection.

Safe storage in a school or lab

The respiratory sensitiser classification is the reason to keep dust down. A pharmacy or practice should hold powder vials and tablet packs in their cartons, with any bulk powder in a tightly closed labelled container in a separate place from the other dispensing stock. Cartons that have burst, tablets loose in a drawer, or spilled powder under a shelf all spread fine dust, and a sensitised person can react to very little. Keep stock dry, away from heat and damp, and rotate it so older cartons are used first. A vet practice that carries it in a bag or vehicle should keep the bag clean and dated.

How to tell it has deteriorated

Powder should be dry, loose and uniform. Penicillins are damaged by moisture, so clumping, a damp or sticky look, a changed colour or an unusual smell mean water has got in. Tablets that are crumbling, stuck together, discoloured or shedding powder inside the blister are in the same state. A vial with a cracked seal, a perished stopper or a label rubbed away is also a problem. Made-up liquid does not keep, and a surgery that finds a part-used bottle of reconstituted product has found stock to list. Anything undated, damp or past its printed date should be listed for collection.

How it must be disposed of

By specialist collection only. It never goes down the drain or into general waste. It is normally packed in a non-regulated or low hazard laboratory pack with compatible chemicals.

A list for collection separates vials of powder, tablets and any bulk powder, with product names, strengths and counts. Human healthcare amoxicillin medicines normally use 18 01 09 and veterinary medicines 18 02 08. Neat laboratory amoxicillin is classified separately. Packs that have burst or spilled powder should be said so, and should not be swept up dry. Expired stock does not go into the general bin, a sink or a sharps container, and tablets are not to be crushed or dissolved first. A registered carrier collects it.

Waste codes and transport details for Amoxicillin
EWC code, laboratory chemicals16 05 06*
Discarded organic chemical, not a laboratory pack16 05 08*
Human healthcare setting18 01 09
Veterinary setting18 02 08
Hazardous wasteYes

The code depends on where the waste came from and what it is mixed with. Use the waste code finder to see why.

Common quantities we collect

Usually held as: injection, tablets.

Part-used bottles and full containers are both fine. Tell us the size and how many, and an estimate is enough for a first price.

Where it is commonly held

Hazard statements

  • H317 May cause an allergic skin reaction.
  • H334 May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled.
Precautionary statements
  • P233 Keep container tightly closed.
  • P260 Do not breathe dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P261 Avoid breathing dust, fume, gas, mist, vapours or spray.
  • P271 Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
  • P272 Contaminated work clothing should not be allowed out of the workplace.
  • P280 Wear protective gloves, protective clothing, eye protection and face protection.
  • P284 In case of inadequate ventilation wear respiratory protection.
  • P302+P352 IF ON SKIN: Wash with plenty of water.
  • P304+P340 IF INHALED: Remove person to fresh air and keep comfortable for breathing.
  • P321 Specific treatment (see supplemental first aid instruction on this label).
  • P333+P317 If skin irritation or rash occurs: Get medical help.
  • P342+P316 If experiencing respiratory symptoms: Get emergency medical help immediately.
  • P362+P364 Take off contaminated clothing. And wash it before reuse.
  • P403 Store in a well-ventilated place.
  • P501 Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, regional, national and international regulations.

Substance as classified, dilutions may differ.

Questions

Why does an old amoxicillin tub need extra care?

It is classified as possibly causing allergic skin reactions and breathing difficulties if inhaled, so loose dust matters. Keep the tub closed, avoid shaking or sweeping dry powder, and list it for collection.

Can expired tablets go in the general bin?

No. Expired tablets are chemical waste for specialist collection. Keep them in their cartons or blisters, record the product, strength and count, and do not crush, dissolve or empty them first.

How do we tell if powder has deteriorated?

Look for clumping, a damp or sticky look, colour change or an odd smell, and check vials for cracked seals and perished stoppers. Penicillins are damaged by moisture, so any damp stock should be listed.

What about leftover reconstituted liquid?

Treat it as the same waste and keep it in a labelled container with the date it was made up. Do not tip it away. List it as liquid, with the volume, alongside the dry stock.

Guidance only. Check your own risk assessment and your supplier's safety data sheet.

Hazard data source: PubChem GHS Classification, retrieved 31 Oct 2026. Formula C16H19N3O5S. EC number 248-003-8.

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