Boots has expanded its successful blister pack recycling initiative to over 800 stores across the UK, responding to overwhelming customer demand. The national rollout follows a popular pilot program in London and the Southeast, where 170,000 customers participated.
The scheme allows customers to recycle any brand of empty blister packs—whether from medications or vitamins—by dropping them off at participating Boots stores. As an added incentive, Boots Advantage Card members can earn 100 points (equivalent to £1) for every five blister packs they recycle, provided they also spend £5 in-store.
Blister packs, typically composed of plastic and foil, are not widely accepted through household recycling programs. Boots’ initiative, part of its broader Recycle at Boots program, seeks to provide a convenient and sustainable solution. By partnering with technology provider Metrisk and recycling specialist MYGroup, Boots ensures that these materials are repurposed into useful items such as playground equipment and furniture.
Candice Smith, Head of ESG at Boots, said: “Taking medicines or vitamins in blister pack packaging is an essential part of everyday life for many of us – even more so during the winter when it is peak cough cold season. 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. We look forward to seeing the recycled materials take on a new life as playground equipment and furniture.”
To participate, customers must:
- Register and opt in by downloading the Recycle at Boots app.
- Log their empty blister packs in the app and wait for validation (up to 24 hours).
- Drop off the empty packs at a participating Boots store and scan the QR code on the deposit box.
For additional recycling opportunities, the Recycle at Boots program also accepts other hard-to-recycle health and beauty empties. Customers can earn 500 Advantage Card points when they recycle five beauty or health products and spend £10 in-store.
Once collected, MYGroup separates the blister packs into plastic and foil. The foil is immediately re-used, while the plastic is processed into MYBoard™, a versatile material used in playground equipment, furniture, and construction projects.
Customers can find their nearest Blister Pack Recycling location via the Boots Store Locator.
Terms & conditions apply. Customers must recycle a minimum of five empty blister packs in one deposit and spend £5 in-store to earn 100 points. Full details can be found at boots.scan2recycle.com/terms.
