Boots launches blister pack recycling scheme at over 800 stores across the UK following a regional pilot.
The beauty retailer Boots said it expanded the blister pack recycling scheme after 170,000 customers signed up to a pilot in London and the Southeast last year.
The new blister pack recycling scheme is part of the wider Recycle at Boots initiative, which is delivered with its technology partner Metrisk and recycling partner MYGroup.
Boots said the empty blister packs will be recycled into playground equipment and furniture.
Any brand of blister packs, whether previously used to hold medications or vitamins, can be recycled through the scheme.
Boots Advantage Card members nationwide can earn 100 points (worth £1) for every five empty blister packs when they drop them off at a participating Boots store and spend £5 or more.
We know from our pilot scheme that people want a recycling solution for their empty blister packs…
Candice Smith, Head of ESG at Boots, commented: “We know from our pilot scheme that people want a recycling solution for their empty blister packs, which is why we’re now making it available in towns and cities across the country.”
Blister packs, commonly used for vitamins and medicines, are made of plastic and foil and cannot typically be recycled through household kerbside collections.
After the blister packs or health and beauty empties have been dropped off at Boots stores, they are sent to MYGroup, who separate the plastic and the foil.
Boots said the recycled foil can be immediately re-used, while MYGroup turn the recycled plastic into a material called MYBoardTM, which has a wide range of uses such as playground equipment, furniture, and construction materials.
Commenting on the scheme, Steve Carrie, Group Director, MYGroup, said: “MYGroup offers the only true end-to-end waste recovery process in the UK for blister packs with the convenience of in-store deposit.
“I’m proud to see our scheme with Boots roll out across the UK. The significant shopper uptake and number of items recycled so far cements our position as the UK’s health, beauty and cosmetics waste management expert.”
