Boots Expands Blister Pack Recycling Scheme Nationwide, Rewarding Customers for Sustainability
In response to overwhelming customer demand, Boots has rolled out its innovative blister pack recycling scheme to more than 800 stores across the UK, making it easier than ever for customers to recycle empty medicine and vitamin packaging while earning rewards.
The expansion follows the success of a regional pilot program, where over 170,000 customers in London and the Southeast eagerly participated. Now, Boots Advantage Card members nationwide can take advantage of the scheme, earning 100 Advantage Card points (equivalent to £1) for every five empty blister packs deposited in-store—provided they also spend £5 or more.
Transforming Waste into New Possibilities
Blister packs, commonly used for medicines and vitamins, are typically made from a mix of plastic and foil, making them difficult to recycle through standard household collection schemes. To address this issue, Boots has partnered with Metrisk and recycling specialist MYGroup to give these hard-to-recycle items a second life.
Once collected, the blister packs are processed by MYGroup, where the plastic and foil are carefully separated. The foil is immediately recycled, while the plastic is repurposed into MYBoard™, a versatile material used in playground equipment, furniture, and construction projects—ensuring that waste is transformed into something useful.
A Win for the Planet—and Customers
Candice Smith, Head of ESG at Boots, emphasized the importance of the initiative:
“Taking medicines or vitamins in blister pack packaging is an essential part of everyday life for many of us—especially during winter when colds and flu are widespread. 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 nationwide. We look forward to seeing these materials take on a new life as playground equipment and furniture.”
The blister pack recycling initiative is part of Recycle at Boots, a broader sustainability program allowing customers to dispose of other hard-to-recycle health and beauty empties.
How to Take Part
Participating in the scheme is simple:
- Register on the Recycle at Boots app and opt into the scheme.
- Log the empty blister packs in the app and wait for validation (up to 24 hours).
- Drop off the blister packs at a participating Boots store and scan the QR code on the deposit box.
- Earn Rewards: Deposit five blister packs and spend £5 in-store to receive 100 Advantage Card points. Customers recycling other health and beauty empties can earn 500 points when depositing five products and spending £10 in-store.
Sustainable Shopping, One Pack at a Time
By expanding the blister pack recycling scheme, Boots is not only helping customers reduce waste but also reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. With millions of blister packs used and discarded every year, this initiative marks a significant step toward reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular economy.
For customers looking to shop more sustainably, this program provides a simple yet impactful way to make a difference—one blister pack at a time.
