We have all been in a decluttering mood where we sit on our bathroom floor and rifle through the medicine cabinet, wanting to get rid of all those pill boxes and blister packs.
However, before you throw them into the trash, you may be wondering, can you recycle them? Here is what I discovered!
Can You Recycle Blister Packs And Pill Boxes?
Blister packs and pill boxes are both recyclable. However, before throwing them in the recycling bin check to see if the blister packs have any different elements that will need to be separated. Pill boxes, on the other hand, can go straight into the correct recycling bin.
Read on to find out more information on how to recycle these products, the different types of blister packs and pill boxes, and how you can reuse them!
How To Recycle Blister Packs And Pill Boxes
While you can recycle blister packs and pill boxes, different guidelines need to be followed for each since they’re made up of different materials.
Some guidelines and how to recycle both items can be found below in the table:
| Blister Packs |
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| Pill Boxes/Bottles |
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Now that we know how to recycle blister packs and pill boxes, you might be wondering what kind of materials they are made up of. Keep on reading to find out!
What Materials Are Blister Packs And Pill Boxes Made Of?
Blister packs and pill boxes can be made with several different materials.
Furthermore, the different materials add an extra challenge to the recycling process since they need to be separated, however, that doesn’t mean they can’t still be recycled.
Additionally, blister packs are made out of different types of plastics, including:
- Thermoformed plastic
- PET or polyethylene terephthalate
- PVC or polyvinyl chloride
Also, pill boxes are made of different materials, depending on the type of box or container.
Here are some of the various pill boxes that can be recycled:
- Weekly or daily organizers
- Multiple-dose boxes can also include a choice between twice, three, or four- times daily choices.
- Special box features can have a push-button opening that makes it easier for opening easily and is great for arthritis patients.
- Cardboard pill boxes are also available like these you can purchase on Etsy.
- Metal pill boxes are also available that can look like trinkets.
Are Blister Packs And Pill Boxes Biodegradable?
Even though the blister packs are recyclable, they aren’t all biodegradable.
Furthermore, the traditional pill boxes are not biodegradable, however, there are options available that can be biodegradable.
Additionally, using non-toxic plastics for medication needs can also help with recycling and being safer for the environment.
For example, one great option is the Eco-Pill Compliance Packaging.
What about reusing or upcycling? In the next section, some ways that you can reuse and upcycle your blister packs and pill boxes will be covered.
How To Reuse And Upcycle Blister Packs And Pill Boxes
Pill boxes and blister packs are reusable and can be upcycled. Furthermore, reusing or upcycling these products can help decrease the amount that is in recycling or trash bins.
Furthermore, there are different ways to reuse or upcycle blister packs:
- Cleaning, cutting, and painting the plastic outer cover of a blister pack can be used to create furniture or accessories in a barbie doll house such as these found on Pinterest.
- Certain shapes of blister packs can also be handy for seed starters.
However, it is also possible to reuse pill boxes for:
- Travel spice containers
- Storing cake decorating tools
- Office supplies such as tacks and rubber bands
- Storing craft supplies such as beads
Final Thoughts
Both blister packs and pill boxes can be recycled, except some of the materials used to create them needs to be removed. For example, sometimes blister packs may be made with more than one element and will have to be separated before recycling.
However, if you choose to go the reusable or upcycling route, then make sure you give the pill boxes and blister packs a good cleaning before you put them to good use.