There are several reasons why it is important to properly dispose of pharmaceutical waste:

1. Public health: Pharmaceutical waste can contain hazardous substances that can be harmful to human health if not handled and disposed of properly. Proper disposal helps to prevent the release of these substances into the environment, which can protect the public from potential harm.
2. Environmental protection: Pharmaceutical waste can also contain materials that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. For example, unused or expired medications can enter the water supply and contaminate it if they are not properly disposed of. Proper disposal helps to prevent this type of environmental contamination.
3. Legal obligations: In many cases, there are legal obligations to properly dispose of pharmaceutical waste. This can include local, state, and central regulations that specify how waste must be collected and disposed of. Proper disposal helps to ensure that these obligations are met.
4. Resource conservation: Proper disposal of pharmaceutical waste can also help  to conserve resources. For example, some types of waste, such as packaging materials, can be recycled, which helps to reduce the demand for new materials.