Article

Blister Packs and Inhalers Recycling Initiatives in the Healthcare Sector

Michael Klapsogiannis
July 30, 2024
5 min read

Overview of Pharmacycle and it's Mission

Pharmacycle is Australia’s first and only end-to-end recycling program dedicated to household and commercial medicinal blister pack waste. Launched with a vision to create a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for pharmaceutical waste, Pharmacycle is on a mission to collect and recycle every blister pack in Australia. Recently, the program has expanded its scope to include the collection and recycling of plastics from inhalers, addressing a significant environmental challenge posed by medical waste.

Importance of Recycling Blister Packs and Inhalers for Hospitals

In the healthcare sector, the disposal of medicinal blister packs and inhalers presents a considerable plastic waste environmental burden. Recognising this, Pharmacycle currently operates in 45 hospitals across Australia, providing a systematic and efficient recycling solution. By recycling these items, hospitals not only reduce their environmental footprint but also promote a culture of sustainability within the healthcare industry.

How to join the Pharmacycle program as a Hospital

Hospitals looking to participate in Pharmacycle’s recycling program can easily express their interest through an enquiry page on the Pharmacycle website. Pharmacycle can organise a fit-to-purpose receptacle to collect blister packs and inhalers, ensuring a seamless integration into the hospital’s waste management system.

Join the program here.

Support for program implementation

Pharmacycle supports hospitals with material and education to ensure the program rollout is efficient and smooth. Our different bin sizes, receptacles, and pick up schedules ensure that our program is carefully crafted to fit your needs while ensuring the best use of your resources.

Example of Pharmacycle Poster for Hospitals

Benefits for Hospitals

Participating hospitals benefit from a significant reduction in their waste and environmental impact. By recycling blister packs and inhalers, hospitals can:

  • Reduce the volume of waste sent to landfills.
  • Promote sustainability and environmental responsibility.
  • Enhance their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
  • Potentially meet regulatory requirements for waste management and sustainability.

Opportunities for Collaboration with Other Organisations and Companies

Pharmacycle is committed to supporting its partners in achieving their environmental and waste reduction goals. By collaborating with various organisations and companies, Pharmacycle fosters a network of environmentally responsible stakeholders. These partnerships can leverage Pharmacycle’s expertise and infrastructure to enhance their own sustainability initiatives.

Moreover, as the volume of recyclable materials increases, Pharmacycle plans to introduce technological improvements to recycle canisters from inhalers, further advancing its recycling capabilities and reducing environmental impact.

Plans for Expanding the Program

Pharmacycle is continuously exploring opportunities to expand its program and enhance its technological capabilities. Upcoming initiatives include:

  • Developing advanced recycling technologies to improve capabilities 
  • Increasing the number of participating hospitals and healthcare facilities.
  • Collaborating with more organisations to amplify the impact of the recycling program.
  • Launching awareness campaigns to educate the public and healthcare professionals about the importance of recycling medical waste.

Pharmacycle’s pioneering recycling initiatives are setting new standards in the healthcare sector. By providing a comprehensive solution for the recycling of blister packs and inhalers, Pharmacycle is not only reducing environmental impact but also promoting a sustainable future for the healthcare industry. Through continued collaboration and technological advancement, Pharmacycle aims to make significant strides towards a greener and more sustainable Australia.

Australia's only complete blister pack recycling solution
hello@pharmacycle.com.au
1800 344 003

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