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Retail Initial Discussion Topic - Reverse Distribution & Reverse Logistics

Some people use the terms reverse distribution and reverse logistics interchangeably.  As it pertains to waste regulations, they are completely different processes and it is important to know the difference between the two to properly apply the regulations and achieve compliance.  Reverse distribution is the process of sending unwanted pharmaceuticals from a place of business (e.g. pharmacy, doctor's office, hospital, medical clinic, etc.) to another site for accumulation prior to disposal for review to assign manufacturer credit for the returned pharmaceutical.

Reverse logistics means to send non-pharmaceutical consumer products from a retail sales location to another site for accumulation and review for sale, donation, repair, recycling, or disposal of the returned consumer products.