We are often asked to support new blister pack recycling options. Unfortunately, a trial in 2024 showed that the cost and demand of such a service was not sustainable under our current waste budget.

In good news, Rotary Clubs across Geelong have worked hard to fund an extension of this program. The following locations now offer free blister pack recycling thanks to Rotary:

These drop off points are funded until they are full. We here at Rethink received many emails requesting the City further fund this program, however, this is not our preferred choice.

Like many residents, we believe blister pack recycling should be something paid for by those who manufacture them, i.e. pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies, not by our community. 

Having said this, we are pleased to share that Chemist Warehouse is also offering blister pack recycling. This has been funded by Chemist Warehouse, not community volunteers and funds.

The Chemist Warehouse locations where you can drop off your used blister packs for recycling are:

2024 Blister pack recycling trial

The trial was initiated by East Geelong Rotary and funded through a $10,000 City of Greater Geelong Community Grant.

Ten pharmacies across Greater Geelong became used blister pack drop off points, which were then recycled through Pharmacycle. The program was paused temporarily as all locations reached capacity within a couple of months, much sooner than expected.

While it was encouraging to see the huge response to the trial, it also showed that the demand for blister pack recycling is higher than council alone is able to support with our current waste budget. 

Our position is that specialist recycling of blister packs should be supported by the pharmaceutical industry that profits from making such products and packaging. 

What else can you do?

Voice your opinion

We here at Rethink received many emails requesting the City further fund this program, however, as previously stated, this is not our preferred choice. 

You can write to your federal member to request an update on this program, or push for blister packs to receive more focus.

You can also call or write to pharmaceutical companies to ask what recycling options they are offering, and demand they provide accessible recycling services if they do not do so already.

Avoid blister packs

Some medications, such as analgesics which can be purchased without a prescription, are available in plastic or glass bottles as well as blister packs.

These bottles can be placed in your kerbside recycling bin once they are empty and have had their lids removed.

Can't make it to a local blister pack recycling location?

If you are unable to travel to one of the locations listed, you could ask friends, family, or even connect with your local sustainability group or neighbourhood house to see if they could drop blister packs off on your behalf.

Several Rethink readers have shared the BRAD blister pack recycling program with us. For $15 you can recycle up to three kilograms of blister packs simply by placing them in your nearest Australia Post box. 

• Find out more and order your BRAD labels