What is a tablet/medication blister pack?
A blister pack is a thin sheet of plastic with pockets that contain tablets or capsules. The blister strip is sealed with a thin sheet of aluminium foil on the back and then packed in a cardboard box. You pop out the tablets through the aluminium foil.
Examples include paracetamol, ibuprofen, acid reflux relief tablets and some prescription medications.
Because they’re a combination of different materials, blister packs can't be recycled via your kerbside bin, but we've found a way you can avoid sending them to landfill. A big shout out to these businesses who are doing their bit for the environment and accepting medication blister packs for recycling. Some options are free, and some have a postage cost.
Blooms the Chemist
All branches of Blooms the Chemist across Australia are now accepting medication blister packs for recycling via Pharmacycle
To find your nearest store, go to: Blooms the Chemist Store Finder
You can also recycle blister packs through Amcal Compound Pharmacy in Como.
If you don’t have a participating pharmacy near you, ask your local pharmacy to consider providing a Pharmacycle or Terracycle recycling box.
You can also recycle your blister packs via post – there is a postage cost involved which is to help cover the cost of recycling.
Banish Recycling Program
Start collecting your medication blister packs until you've got enough products to fill an old shoe box or compostable satchel. When you are ready, go to the Banish recycling program page for more information and to buy a pre-paid label to send your items to Banish. You’ll also receive a voucher to spend in their online shop!
TerraCycle
You can also buy your own Zero Waste Box from TerraCycle. The ‘Empty Blister Packs’ boxes start at $186 which is a bit pricey, but you could get together with friends and neighbours to share the cost and create your own recycling hub! The cost of the box includes return postage. Visit Terracycle Zero Waste Boxes for more information.
Tip: Give your empty blister packs a bit of a squish to flatten them – and if you’re really committed – roll them flat with a rolling pin! You’ll fit more into whichever recycling method you are using.
Sources:
Banish
Terracycle
Pharmacycle
Blooms the Chemist
