Boots expands blister pack recycling scheme to 800 UK stores
Nationwide expansion follows successful pilot that saw 170,000 customers recycle complex mixed material packaging.
Boots has expanded its blister pack recycling scheme to over 800 stores nationwide, allowing shoppers to deposit used blister packaging in dedicated in-store collection boxes.
The initiative, delivered in partnership with recycling firm MYGroup, follows a pilot launched in February 2023 that saw 170,000 customers participate in stores across London and South East England, and collected and processed more than seven tonnes of blister packs.
Candice Smith, Head of ESG at Boots, explained the decision to expand the pilot: “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.”
Challenges of recycling blister packs
Blister packs, which are used to store tablets, pills or other medication, pose a significant recycling challenge due to their mixed material composition, primarily aluminium foil and plastic. This combination, along with their small size and lightweight nature, means they cannot be processed through standard household recycling collections.
Global production of the packs exceeds 36 million tonnes annually. In the UK alone, the NHS uses approximately 150 million packs each year, with most ending up in landfill or incineration.
The scheme will see the mixed materials separated and recovered at a specialised recycling facility in Hull. Aluminium is sent to a local refinery for remanufacture into ingots, while plastic undergoes PVC recycling for supply chain recovery or conversion into MYboard products. Any medical residue is converted into bio-fuel.
Steve Carrie, Group Director at MYGroup, commented: “I’m proud to see our scheme with Boots roll out across the UK.
“MYGroup offers the only true end-to-end waste recovery process in the UK for blister packs with the convenience of in-store deposit.”
Smith added: “We look forward to seeing the recycled materials take on a new life as playground equipment and furniture.”
Incentivising consumer participation
The scheme forms part of Boots' wider 'Recycle at Boots' programme, with customers earning Advantage Card loyalty points for their deposits. This incentive system is managed through a dedicated mobile application developed by technology partner, Metrisk.
MYGroup also operates similar collection schemes through Tesco stores in partnership with Kenvue, alongside specialist recycling programmes for GP surgeries, pharmacies and veterinary practices.
