Can blister packs be recycled?

As blister packs typically consist of PET or PVC and PS, they can be more difficult and costly to recycle as the different materials must be separated. Many local councils do now recycle blister packs, while there are others that don’t. It’s always worth checking before throwing anything away. Empty blister packs for tablets/pills aren’t recyclable, so you’ll need to dispose of these with your normal rubbish. You can recycle the cardboard box that the blister packs of tablets came in.

Why is recycling blister packs important? Before we dive into the steps, it's essential to understand why recycling blister packs is important. Blister packs are made of materials that take a long time to decompose, which can have a significant impact on the environment. Recycling blister packs reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and conserves natural resources. ‍

Step 1: Collect Your Blister Packs The first step in recycling blister packs is to collect them. Start by looking around your home for any blister packs you may have lying around. Check your medicine cabinet, kitchen, and any other areas where you may have stored medication. Once you've gathered all your blister packs, move on to the next step. ‍

Step 2: Keep the Materials Blister packs are made of a combination of plastic and aluminum. Thanks to Pharmacy technology there is no need for you to separate these materials. All you have to do is ensure that you have removed any non-blister pack item from the pile. ‍

Step 3: Check if They Need Cleaning Before you can recycle your blister packs you can check for any debris that might have been caught in the blister packs. A quick look is all it needs. If there is something sticking to the blister pack that shouldn’t be recycled you can start by rinsing the plastic and aluminum under running water to remove any residue. You can use a mild detergent if necessary. Once clean, allow the materials to dry completely. ‍

Step 4: Find a Pharmacy Drop-off location Now that your blister packs are clean and separated, it's time to find a drop-off location that accepts them. Check our list of drop-off locations across the country to see where you can take your blister packs for recycling. Pharmacy partner pharmacies accept blister packs for recycling. ‍

Step 5: Recycle Your Blister Packs Once you've found a location that suits, drop off your blister packs for recycling. Make sure to follow any specific guidelines from the pharmacy and say hi to the helpful staff. ‍