Empty blister packs recycling - trial
About the service
We are currently running a blister packs drop off service at libraries where you can recycle these specific packaging materials.
Please note that this will only be for a trial period.
We are recycling these packaging with TerraCycle® via their Zero Waste Box™ solution.
Where can I take empty blister packs to?
You can take your empty blister packs to one of the following libraries where there will be a TerraCycle® Zero Waste Box™ for you to place the items in.
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Banbury Library - Marlborough Road, Banbury OX16 5DB
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Bicester Library - Wesley Lane, Franklins House, Bicester OX26 6JU
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Kidlington Library - 23 Oxford Road, Kidlington OX5 2BP
What are medicine blister packs?
Medicine blister packs are a form of tamper-evident packaging where individually sealed tablets can be pushed through the foil in order to take the medication. This form of packaging can also help the individual recall if the previous dose was taken. Blister packaging ensures safe and convenient tablet packaging. It protects tablets from moisture, light, and air, preserving their effectiveness. Different types of blister packs are available, including push-through, cold-form, and thermoformed packs.
What will be accepted?
Only small (from personal use) quantities of empty medicine blister packs will be accepted in the boxes.
What we cannot accept?
We cannot accept medicine and medication residue. Boxes received that contain tablets will need to be diverted to Energy from Waste (and therefore may not be recycled).
Blister packs must not have originally been destined for disposal as clinical or hazardous waste.
Blister packs must not have come into contact with biological contaminants e.g. from within an operating or treatment environment.
What happens next?
The empty blister packs you place in the boxes will then be sent to TerraCycle® for recycling. So instead of being sent to energy recovery, the contents of the box will be sorted and turned into raw materials that can be reused.
The recycling process consists of:
- TerraCycle® stores and aggregates the collected waste until the necessary volumes for processing have been achieved. The waste is then sorted into categories based on material composition. We use different sorting technologies including manual sortation, size separation, air density, gravity, magnetic, etc.
- These materials are size-reduced (i.e. shredded or ground) to destroy any branding or trademarks, sorted by type and then melted and reformatted into pellets, flakes, or a powder format. If necessary, the material is blended with other plastics or additives to improve and stabilize its properties.
- Depending on the material composition of the plastic, recycled materials are fit for use in a range of moulded product applications. These finished products are a result of different moulding techniques such as compression moulding (i.e. plastic lumber, composite decking, outdoor furniture, plastic shipping pallets) etc...