This study introduces a novel approach to the selective degradation of pharmaceuticals in wastewater using a molecularly imprinted -recycled graphite photocatalyst. The photocatalyst was synthesized through a rapid microwave-assisted method, incorporating recycled graphite from spent lithium-ion batteries and imprinting metronidazole (MNZ) as a template molecule. The addition of graphite improved charge separation and extended the excitation range of the photocatalyst, which was effectively utilized by a tailored LED light source. The system was tested in diverse wastewater environments, including primary sewage and hospital effluent, to assess its efficacy and selectivity. Photocatalytic degradation tests revealed that the molecularly imprinted photocatalyst (MIP) achieved over 60 % MNZ degradation in primary sewage within 60 min, significantly reducing the risk of pharmaceutical transfer to the biological stage of wastewater treatment. The photocatalyst exhibited excellent stability over multiple catalytic cycles, maintaining high performance with only minor decreases in efficiency. Furthermore, tests conducted on hospital wastewater confirmed the high selectivity of the MIP photocatalysts, achieving over 75 % MNZ degradation, showcasing their robustness in real-world, complex wastewater matrices. These results underscore the stability, selectivity, and superior performance of MIP-based photocatalysts, offering a sustainable and efficient solution for pharmaceutical removal in wastewater treatment applications.