Where to Recycle Blister Packs in Australia

Blister packs are a common packaging used for medicines, supplements, and other healthcare products. While they are convenient and effective at protecting their contents, they are not always recyclable in regular household recycling programs. This can lead to them ending up in landfills, where they can take decades or even centuries to decompose. Fortunately, there are options for recycling blister packs in Australia. In this article, we’ll explore where to recycle blister packs and why it’s important to do so.

Why Recycle Blister Packs?

Recycling blister packs is important for several reasons. Firstly, it reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Which helps to conserve natural resources and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Secondly, it prevents potentially hazardous materials from entering the environment. As some blister packs contain aluminium or plastic that can be harmful if not disposed of properly. Finally, recycling blister packs can help to create new products and reduce the demand for virgin materials.

Where to Recycle Blister Packs

If you’re wondering where to recycle blister packs in Australia, there are several options available:

Local Council Recycling Programs
- Many local councils offer recycling programs for household waste, including some types of packaging. Check with your local council to see if they accept blister packs. And if so, what the requirements are for sorting and preparing them for recycling.
TerraCycle
- TerraCycle is a company that specialises in hard-to-recycle waste with Zero Waste Boxes, including for blister packs. They offer a free program called the Medicine Packet Recycling Program, which accepts all brands of blister packs. As well as empty medicine pouches and sachets, like those you receive at SimpleDose. Simply sign up on TerraCycle’s website, print a shipping label, and send your blister packs to be recycled.
Pharmacycle
- Pharmacycle is another specialist in the pharmacy recycling industry, also helping to achieve zero waste by providing people with boxes to help reduce the amount of landfill created with used blister packs and sachets.

Pharmacy Collection Programs
- Some pharmacies offer collection programs for blister packs. Ask your local pharmacy if they accept blister packs for recycling, and if so, what the requirements are for sorting and preparing them for recycling.
Drop-Off Locations
- Some organizations, such as hospitals and community centers, may have drop-off locations for hard-to-recycle waste, including blister packs. Check with your local organizations to see if they offer this service.

How to Prepare Blister Packs for Recycling

Before recycling blister packs, it’s important to prepare them properly to ensure they can be effectively processed. This typically involves removing any leftover medication or supplements and separating any paper or cardboard from the plastic or aluminium. Check with your local recycling program or TerraCycle for specific instructions on how to prepare blister packs for recycling.

Conclusion

Recycling blister packs is an important step towards reducing waste and protecting the environment. Whether you use your local council recycling program, TerraCycle, or a pharmacy collection program, there are options available for recycling blister packs in Australia. By taking the time to properly prepare your blister packs for recycling, you can help to create a more sustainable future.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a blister pack?

A blister pack is a type of packaging commonly used for small consumer goods such as medication, batteries, or chewing gum. It consists of a pre-formed plastic pocket or “blister” that holds the product, and a backing made of paper, foil, or plastic that provides a barrier to protect the product and keep it fresh. Blister packs are popular because they are lightweight, compact, and easy to open, and they offer good visibility of the product inside. However, they can be difficult to recycle due to the different materials used in their construction, which can make them a source of plastic waste.

Where to recycle blister packs Melbourne ?

You can recycle blister packs by dropping them off at your local council recycling centre, or sending them to a specialised recycling program such as TerraCycle. The ‘Return Unwanted Medicines’ scheme is a popular recycling program for medication packaging in Melbourne.

How to recycle blister packs Australia ?

Blister packs can be challenging to recycle in Australia due to their combination of plastic and foil. However, you can recycle blister packs by using specialised programs like TerraCycle’s ‘Medicine Packet Recycling Program’. Some councils also have programs for specific types of plastic packaging. With these options, you can ensure that blister packs are disposed of in an environmentally friendly way.

How about do it yourself blister packs for medication?

DIY blister packs for medication are not recommended as they require specialised equipment and materials to create a safe and effective packaging. The process involves heating and molding plastic to create individual compartments that can hold medication, and sealing the backing material to the plastic. Mistakes made during the DIY process can lead to the medication being exposed to moisture, air, or sunlight, which can impact its effectiveness. It is best to use commercially available blister packs or consult with a healthcare professional for alternative medication packaging options.