Blister Pack Recycling
Blister packs are commonly used for medication and contraceptive pills. They portion the correct dosage, ensure freshness and the enclosed space minimises movement (and therefore damage) during transit.
Research by Buscopan and Dulcolax found that 65% of adults use medicines in blister packs at least once a week. Empty blister packs are difficult to recycle due to the mix of plastic and foil firmly glued together, which means they cannot be recycled in many household recycling collections. It’s always best to check with your local council to find out what they accept.
There are other recycling options available though:
- Superdrug has partnered with Terracycle to provide in-store recycling facilities for all brands of blister packs, but only the stores with a pharmacy. To find your nearest recycling collection point, put your postcode in the Superdrug store locator and filter to show pharmacies. Blister packs are turned into a reusable pellet material which can be used by third parties to manufacture a variety of new products including outdoor furniture, bins, planters and even playgrounds for schools.
- It’s also worth checking local pharmacies and GP surgeries as some offer Terracycle collection points, similar to Superdrug.
Anyone can sign up to be a Terracycle public drop off point for blister packs and a range of hard to recycle materials, so if you’re a shop, pharmacy, school, community facility or similar, contact Terracycle to find out more.
If there aren’t any recycling collection points near you, there are still options such as using them for crafts:
If recycling or reusing isn’t an option, please put your empty blister packs in your rubbish bin where it will be taken to an Energy from Waste facility.
