Nationwide Inhaler Recycling Program in Early 2025
Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) are essential for millions of Australians managing respiratory conditions, but their environmental impact often goes unnoticed. Each year, millions of inhalers end up in landfill or recycling bins, releasing harmful hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellants—potent greenhouse gases—into the atmosphere.
Pharmacycle is set to launch a nationwide recycling solution in early 2025 to address these challenges. By recovering valuable materials and responsibly managing harmful gases, this program will transform inhaler disposal in Australia.
The Hidden Problem with Inhaler Disposal
Most used inhalers end up in the trash or recycling bins, where they are either landfilled or incinerated, wasting materials and harming the environment. In landfills, leftover propellant gases leak into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. A UK study found MDIs may account for around 3.9% of the National Health Service’s carbon footprint due to their propellants.
In Australia, the only current solution is incinerating entire inhaler units. While better than landfill, this approach ranks low on the waste hierarchy as it fails to recover materials or align with circular economy principles. A higher-priority solution would reduce waste, recover resources, and prevent harmful emissions, offering a sustainable alternative to incineration.
Pharmacycle’s Unique Approach
Leveraging its network of over 870 pharmacies across Australia—currently collecting pharmaceutical blister packs—Pharmacycle is well-positioned to expand into inhaler recycling. A pilot program in collaboration with NSW Health hospitals has already demonstrated its feasibility.
Pharmacycle’s processes ensure the safe collection of inhalers, recovery of valuable materials, and responsible management of harmful gases. This effort not only prevents landfill waste but also supports a circular economy by reintroducing recovered materials into local manufacturing.
Managing Harmful Gases
Pharmacycle’s interim solution focuses on recovering plastic components and incinerating metal canisters to destroy harmful gases. Though not the ultimate solution, this approach significantly reduces the immediate environmental impact of HFAs, which are up to 3,200 times more potent than carbon dioxide as greenhouse gases.
Future Innovations: Capturing Gases and Recycling Metals
Pharmacycle plans to invest in advanced technology to capture HFA gases during recycling, preventing emissions and enabling metal canister recovery. These innovations will further reduce waste and carbon footprints, positioning Pharmacycle as a leader in sustainable inhaler recycling.
Environmental Benefits: A Climate-Conscious Solution
By integrating inhaler recycling into its infrastructure, Pharmacycle offers millions of Australians a simple way to reduce their carbon footprint. The program will eliminate hazards posed by improperly disposed inhalers and repurpose waste into valuable resources for the economy.
Recycling 1 million MDIs through Pharmacycle’s recovery pathway could avoid 4,220 tonnes of CO2e—equivalent to driving 26,602 times between Melbourne and Sydney. Planned innovations, including gas-capturing technology and metal recycling, highlight Pharmacycle’s commitment to sustainable healthcare.
Breathe Easy in 2025 with Pharmacycle
Launching in early 2025, Pharmacycle’s nationwide inhaler recycling initiative represents a vital step forward in managing healthcare waste. By recovering materials, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and advancing circular economy principles, Pharmacycle is setting a new standard for sustainability in healthcare.
Together, we can ensure inhalers support both respiratory health and a healthier planet. Start collecting your used inhalers today and prepare to join Pharmacycle’s recycling program for a cleaner, greener future.
