A bin man has settled the long-running debate over where to dispose of paracetamol blister packs, confirming they belong in general waste — not the recycling bin. The revelation comes via a TikTok video from the user TheNo1 Binman, who has been educating Britons on proper waste sorting.
Why Blister Packs Can't Be Recycled at Home
In the video, the bin man explains that the foil lining on blister packs cannot be separated from the plastic, making them unsuitable for household recycling. He states: "It actually goes in general waste because the foil on it cannot be separated. You would put it in general waste." However, he notes that the outer cardboard box can be placed in the cardboard recycling bin, while the plastic sleeve — despite being made of plastic — should not go in the plastic recycling bin. "Not everything is recyclable within your household, so please don't put them in there," he adds.
Boots Offers a Greener Alternative
For those seeking a more environmentally friendly option, Boots operates a blister pack recycling scheme. Customers can download the Boots recycling app to log empty packs and earn loyalty points. Once five packs are accumulated, they can be dropped off at any Boots store for recycling. Through this process, the film is separated and processed, with the resulting plastic transformed into items such as window frames, tables, and playground equipment. Crucially, no element of the blister pack is incinerated or sent to landfill.
The bin man's advice highlights the complexity of UK recycling regulations, which vary by council. He urges the public to check local guidelines and avoid wish-cycling — placing non-recyclable items in recycling bins in the hope they will be processed.
