Blister pack recycling
Blister packs (used for pills, supplements, gum, small electronics, batteries, etc.) are notoriously difficult to recycle because they combine plastic + aluminum fused together. This makes standard municipal recycling unsuitable.
What Counts as “Blister Packs”
Blister packs typically include:
- Pharmaceutical pill packs (plastic bubbles with foil backing)
- Vitamin & supplement packs
- Gum packs (e.g., Trident, Dentyne)
- Retail item blister shells (electronics, cosmetics—usually PET plastic)
Important difference:
| Type of package | Recyclable? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pill blister packs (plastic + foil) | Hard to recycle | Need specialized programs |
| All-plastic blister shells (PET) | Often recyclable | Check local rules for #1 plastic |
| PVC blister packs | Rarely recyclable | PVC is restricted in most programs |
Are Blister Packs Recyclable? (Short Answer)
Most cities do not accept pill blister packs.
Why? Because they must be mechanically separated (plastic vs aluminum) and cleaned.Only specialized recycling programs handle them.
Where to Recycle Blister Packs
Currently, consumer-friendly options:
1. Terracycle – Medicine & Supplement Blister Pack Recycling
- Most reliable program in the U.S.
- You buy a Zero Waste Box, fill it, and ship it back.
- Accepts: All pill blisters from meds + supplements.
✔ Pros: Works nationwide, high recycling rate
✘ Cons: Not free (boxes ~$90–$130)
2. CVS Blister Pack Recycling (Pilot Programs)
- Some CVS locations accept empty pill blister packs via Terracycle.
- Availability varies by state.
3. Local Household Hazardous Waste Facilities
Some states accept medical packaging under “healthcare plastics.”
Check your county’s HHW drop-off.
How Blister Packs Are Recycled (Real Process)
Specialized facilities use:
Step 1 — Mechanical Shredding
Blisters are shredded into small flakes.
Step 2 — Heat or Pressure Separation
Plastic and aluminum layers are separated using:
- Thermal delamination
- Density separation
- Eddy current separation
Step 3 — Material Recovery
- Plastic (PVC, PET) → turned into industrial plastic pellets
- Aluminum foil → melted and reused
Step 4 — Waste Minimization
Any unrecyclable residue is used in waste-to-energy processes.
How to Prepare Blister Packs for Recycling
✔ Empty all pills completely
✔ Leave the foil attached (don’t peel)
✔ Do not rinse with water (not required)
✔ Remove cardboard outer packaging (recycle separately)
What NOT to Put in Blister Pack Recycling
⛔ Used needles / sharps
⛔ Liquid meds
⛔ Paper instructions
⛔ Plastic medicine bottles
⛔ Cardboard boxes with glue
Are There Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Blister Packs?
Yes — several brands are moving to:
✔ Recyclable aluminum pill tubes
✔ Compostable pouches
✔ Refillable pill bottles
✔ Single-material PET blister packs (fully recyclable)
These are still emerging but expected to grow in 2025–2027.
READ ALSO: Reusable tampons: full guide and comparison
FAQs
Why are blister packs hard to recycle?
Because the materials are fused together:
PVC or PET plastic
Aluminum foil
Municipal plants cannot separate or clean these layers.
What types of blister packs can be recycled?
✔ Pill blister packs (empty)
✔ Supplement blister packs
✔ Gum blister packs
✔ All-plastic blister shells (depending on plastic type)
⛔ Not accepted: blister packs with liquids, gels, or contamination.
Do I need to remove the foil before recycling?
No. Leave the foil attached.
Facilities separate it during processing.
Should I wash blister packs before recycling?
No. Just make sure they’re empty.
Can expired medication be recycled with blister packs?
No.
Medication must be taken to a medicine take-back program, not recycling.
Should I separate cardboard boxes from blister packs?
Yes:
Cardboard box: usually recyclable in paper bin
Blister strip: goes to specialized recycling
Can I put blister packs in plastic recycling (PET/PVC)?
No.
Even if the bubble is PET, the aluminum backing contaminates the recycling stream.
Are all pharmacies accepting blister packs?
No — only those participating in programs like Terracycle.
Pharmacies vary by region.
What happens to blister packs after recycling?
Facilities:
Shred the packs
Separate plastic from aluminum
Recycle each material separately
Plastic turns into industrial pellets, aluminum is melted and reused.
