Blister Packs (Pills, Gum)
What Should I Do With It?
Blister packs, the stiff plastic-and-foil sheets frequently used to package over-the-counter pills, prescriptions, and chewing gum are completely unrecyclable in standard curbside programs. Because these packages fuse plastic and aluminum foil tightly together, mechanical sorting facilities cannot separate the materials, meaning empty packs must go to the regular garbage. Ensure leftover medication is brought to a safe drug take-back site.
Before throwing this away, see if it can be fixed up, given to a friend, or donated to a local thrift shop. Keeping items in use is the best way to stop waste before it starts!
The recycling guidelines shown here are for general reference and educational purposes. Every city and town has different rules, sorting equipment, and recycling programs.
Please check your local town website or ask your local garbage collection program to make sure you are following your neighborhood's rules.