Chloe Zhang
Plastic blister packs are notoriously difficult to recycle. They are often made from a combination of materials, such as plastic and aluminium, which are challenging to separate during the recycling process. While the plastic in blister packs is usually recyclable PET, the process is costly and time-consuming, requiring the different materials to be separated at the source (i.e. at home). However, some companies and organisations, such as Superdrug in the UK, are now accepting blister packs as part of medicine packet recycling programmes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recyclability | Blister packs are technically recyclable, but it is difficult and costly to do so. |
| Composition | Blister packs are usually made of plastic (PET, PVC, or polypropylene) and aluminium foil. Some are also made with paperboard backing. |
| Challenges | The different materials in blister packs need to be separated for recycling, which is challenging without specialized equipment. |
| Solutions | Some individuals separate the materials at home for recycling. Organizations like Terracycle can also recycle blister packs from medicines and contact lenses. |
| Location-based differences | Acceptance of blister packs for recycling varies by location. For example, some UK Superdrug stores accept blister packs, while some Australian councils recommend checking with local recycling programs. |
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What You'll Learn
- Blister packs are recyclable, but not all recycling companies accept them
- Blister packs are made of multiple materials, which need to be separated for recycling
- Plastic-aluminium composites form a small-volume waste stream, making the recycling process uneconomical
- Thermo plastics have a recycling value, thermoset plastics do not
- Some retailers offer medicine packet recycling programmes
Blister packs are recyclable, but not all recycling companies accept them
Blister packs are a type of packaging that combines plastic and foil, or plastic and cardboard. They are commonly used for medicines, like paracetamol and ibuprofen, and also for toys. The plastic used in blister packs is usually PET, which is recyclable, and the foil is bonded to the plastic with LDPE film, which can be recycled if separated from the foil.
While blister packs are technically recyclable, the process is more complex and costly than recycling homogeneous materials. The different components of blister packs must be separated for the packs to be recycled, and this separation requires specialized equipment that many recycling companies do not have. As a result, some recycling programs do not accept blister packs.
To recycle blister packs, individuals can separate the foil or cardboard from the plastic by hand and then recycle the separated components. This process can be time-consuming, but it ensures that the recyclable parts of the blister pack are not wasted. Some local councils and recycling programs do accept blister packs, so it is important to check the rules and guidelines in your area.
In the UK, for example, Superdrug stores participate in the country's first medicine packet recycling program, accepting blister packs in-store. Additionally, contact lens blister packs are accepted at drop-off points across Australia. These examples demonstrate that there are efforts to improve the recyclability of blister packs, but the availability of recycling programs varies by region.
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Blister packs are made of multiple materials, which need to be separated for recycling
Blister packs are notoriously difficult to recycle. While the plastic used in blister packs is technically recyclable, the fact that blister packs are made of multiple materials means that they need to be separated for recycling. This is because composite waste materials are more difficult and costly to recycle compared to homogeneous materials.
Blister packs are often made of plastic and aluminium, with some also including paperboard backing for instructions and safety information. The plastic is usually PET or PVC, and the foil is bonded to the blister tray with LDPE film. The plastic can be recycled, and the aluminium can be dissolved with caustic soda, but the different materials must first be separated. This can be done at home, although it requires a lot of patience.
The difficulty in recycling composite materials is further compounded by the small volume of plastic-aluminium composite waste. This makes it difficult to make the recycling process economical. As a result, many recycling companies do not accept blister packs, and it is up to individuals to separate the materials themselves if they want to recycle the waste.
However, some retailers are now accepting blister packs as part of medicine packet recycling programmes. For example, Superdrug stores in the UK accept blister packs as part of the country's first medicine packet recycling programme. Similarly, contact lens blister packs can be recycled at drop-off points across Australia.
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Plastic-aluminium composites form a small-volume waste stream, making the recycling process uneconomical
Blister packs are notoriously difficult to recycle. They are usually made of a combination of plastic and aluminium, with some also including cardboard. The different materials that make up blister packs must be separated before they can be recycled, which is a challenging and costly process. While the plastic in blister packs is often recyclable, the process of separating it from the other materials is difficult and typically requires specialised equipment. This is a time-consuming and potentially hazardous task for individuals to perform at home.
The small volume of plastic-aluminium composite waste generated by blister packs makes the recycling process uneconomical. The low quantity of this specific type of waste means that it is not cost-effective for recycling companies to invest in the necessary equipment and labour to separate and process the materials. This is a common issue with composite waste materials, which are more difficult and expensive to recycle than homogeneous materials.
The difficulty in recycling blister packs has led to a build-up of waste in landfills. However, some companies and organisations are now offering solutions to this problem. For example, in the UK, Superdrug stores accept blister packs as part of the country's first medicine packet recycling programme. Similarly, in Australia, there are drop-off points for contact lens blister packs.
To address the issue of composite waste, some have suggested that all blister packs should be made from a single material, such as aluminium. This would make the recycling process much simpler and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill. In the meantime, individuals can take it upon themselves to separate the components of blister packs and recycle them separately, although this can be a tedious and potentially dangerous task.
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Thermo plastics have a recycling value, thermoset plastics do not
Plastic blister packs are notoriously difficult to recycle. They are often made of multiple materials, such as plastic and aluminium, which need to be separated for effective recycling. The plastic in blister packs is usually PET, PVC, high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, or polypropylene. These plastics are thermo plastics, which have a recycling value. However, thermoset plastics do not have a recycling value.
Thermo plastics and thermosetting plastics have different material properties and applications. Thermo plastics are soft and flexible when heated, making them easy to mould and shape. They are also lightweight and have a high level of recyclability. Thermo plastics are used in applications where flexibility, toughness, and impact resistance are required, and where recyclability is a priority. On the other hand, thermosetting plastics are rigid and hard when heated, making them difficult to mould and shape. While they are strong and durable, they have a low level of recyclability.
The difference in recyclability between thermo plastics and thermosetting plastics lies in the nature of their bonds. Thermo plastics have weak bonds that can be easily broken and reformed, allowing for reheating and moulding of the plastic. In contrast, thermosetting plastics have permanent chemical bonds that cause them to retain their shape even when reheated. This makes it challenging to break down thermosetting plastics for recycling and reuse.
The recycling of thermo plastics is not without its challenges. For example, chemical additives used to strengthen the bonds of thermoplastics can make them harder to melt and limit their potential for reuse. Additionally, the presence of multiple materials in blister packs, such as plastic and aluminium, increases the complexity and cost of recycling. Nevertheless, advancements in recycling technology have made it possible to separate and recycle different resins, improving the recyclability of thermo plastics.
While thermosetting plastics may have limited recyclability, they are not completely without value in a circular economy. They can be used as feedstock for incineration plants, providing fuel for energy generation. However, this method releases pollutants into the air, which is a significant drawback. Overall, the future of the plastics industry will likely require a balance between thermoplastics and thermosetting plastics, considering performance, cost, and sustainability.
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Some retailers offer medicine packet recycling programmes
Blister packs are notoriously difficult to recycle due to the different materials they contain. They are usually made of plastic (PET or PVC) and aluminium, with some being entirely made of aluminium. The problem with composite waste materials is that they are more difficult and costly to recycle compared to homogeneous materials, as the different materials need to be separated.
Some retailers have recognized the need for medicine packet recycling programs and have taken steps to address this issue. For example, Superdrug in the UK has teamed up with various brands, including Benadryl, Buscopan, Calpol, and Nurofen, to include collection boxes in their pharmacies for recycling empty medicine blister packets. This initiative is part of their commitment to reducing waste and diverting it from landfills, as they aim to be more environmentally friendly.
Additionally, some local pharmacies may offer take-back schemes for specific medical items. For instance, you can return unused and out-of-date medicines, faulty hearing aids, and used inhalers to your local pharmacy for proper disposal or recycling. They can also provide you with sharps bins for safely disposing of needles, which can then be collected by your local council.
It is important to note that recycling rules can vary depending on your location, so it is always a good idea to check with your local council or recycling guidelines. Some areas may have specific programs or drop-off points for medicine blister packs, and it is worth inquiring about these options to ensure proper recycling and disposal.
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Frequently asked questions
Blister packs are recyclable, but they are usually made of multiple materials, such as plastic and aluminium, which need to be separated before they can be recycled. This separation is difficult and costly, so many recycling companies will not accept them.
You can separate the different materials in blister packs at home and recycle them separately. You can also check if your local council or nearby stores accept blister packs as part of their recycling programmes.
Plastic blister packs are difficult to recycle because they are made of multiple materials, such as plastic, aluminium, and cardboard, which need to be separated before they can be recycled. This separation is difficult and costly, and the small volume of plastic blister packs makes it hard to make the process economical.
You can try to avoid buying products packaged in plastic blister packs and opt for more sustainable alternatives. You can also support campaigns to change the packaging of products to more environmentally friendly options.
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