ITV consumer expert Alice Beer has highlighted a little-known scheme at Boots and Superdrug that allows shoppers to earn money off their purchases by recycling empty medicine blister packs and other packaging. Appearing on ITV's This Morning, Beer explained that these high street chains have partnered with recycling companies to provide specialised bins for items that cannot be processed through home recycling.
How the Scheme Works
Beer noted that medication blister packs—the thin plastic and foil containers that hold tablets—cannot be placed in household recycling bins because local sorting machines cannot separate the mixed materials. However, Boots has introduced the Recycle at Boots app, a free tool that lets shoppers scan their empty packaging before depositing it in designated recycling points in stores across the UK.
According to Beer, once a shopper has scanned five eligible items and had them approved, they can deposit them into the specialised bin and receive 100 Advantage Points, which is worth £1. She added, "Every time I go into Boots now, I've got 20% off."
Eligible Items
The recycling scheme accepts a wide range of items that would otherwise go to general waste. These include:
- Makeup and skincare: Mascara tubes, lipstick cases, eyeshadow palettes, and travel minis
- Dental care: Toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, and floss dispensers
- Baby items: Formula lids and scoops, baby wipe packets, and nappy packaging
- Blister packs: Empty vitamin and medicine blister packs
- Vitamins: Plastic vitamin and medicine bottles
Practical Tips
Beer suggested that people keep a small box or bin in their bathroom to collect empties, from baby wipe packets to medicine packets, making it easier to participate in the scheme. She emphasised that while it requires a little extra effort, the financial incentive makes it worthwhile. "If I told you there was money in it for you, you might engage," she said.
Impact and Benefits
The scheme not only helps shoppers save money but also ensures that hard-to-recycle materials are properly processed. By diverting these items from general waste, Boots and its partners can reuse the materials for new products. Beer encouraged viewers to find their nearest store with a Recycle at Boots collection point, noting that the app tracks progress and rewards regular recyclers.
