Inhaler Recycling
It’s estimated that 73 million inhalers are dispensed every year in the UK – with 60 million of these in England alone. They’re used to treat all sorts of respiratory conditions including asthma and lung disease. Once they’ve been used though these inhalers must be disposed of responsibly as they account for 3% of the NHS’ carbon footprint.
Most emissions come from metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) due to the propellant (the gas) within them. Recycling inhalers prevents them from ending up in landfill or being incinerated, so the materials they contain can be recovered and reused. Businesses and organisations that deal with old inhalers should ensure they are sent for recycling where possible.
Learn all about inhaler recycling from your organisation or as a patient with Business Waste. We can also help the likes of healthcare centres, schools, and pharmacies arrange collection and recycling of any old inhalers. Get a free quote and discuss your needs today – call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online.
Can you recycle inhalers?
You can recycle inhalers when they no longer work or aren’t needed. Recycling inhalers ensures the hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gases they contain are captured and repurposed, so they don’t pollute the atmosphere. When you recycle in halers it also means the plastic and metal from the devices are recovered and recycled.
All parts of an inhaler can be recycled but the practice isn’t as widespread as recycling some other items. Inhalers should never be disposed of with general waste as it could end up in landfill. Residual gas from inhalers may be released into the atmosphere and add to air pollution.
How to dispose of inhalers
To dispose of inhalers as a business you must organise commercial waste collection. Old inhalers are a type of commercial waste whether you run a pharmacy, hospital, or any other kind of healthcare organisation. Therefore they can only be removed from your premises by licensed waste carriers to transport to proper disposal facilities.
How inhalers are disposed of depends on the waste management company you use. Some will take recycling routes while others might dispose of them with other types of clinical waste. This often involves incinerating them when materials from the inhalers could have been recovered and recycled.
At Business Waste, we aim to keep all waste away from landfill and recycle it where possible – including for old inhalers. Our nationwide network means we work with experts and specialists across the UK including those who may be able to find recycling solutions for inhalers.
How are inhalers recycled?
Specialist processes are required to recycle old inhalers at facilities with the relevant equipment and expertise. Generally, the process of recycling inhalers follows these steps:
- All inhalers should be stored together away from other medical waste to avoid contamination before it’s collected and transported to a relevant recycling facility.
- The old inhalers are disassembled and sorted into the different materials.
- Plastic casing and metal canisters are removed and sent for recycling separately. The plastic is often shredded and melted to form pellets, which are used to create new plastic products.
- Any remaining gas is extracted from the inhaler and stored in a portable refrigerant gas tank.
- This gas is checked to see if it’s suitable for reuse. If it’s good then the gas is repurposed for use in refrigerators and vehicle air conditioners.
Who needs to recycle inhalers?
Anywhere that inhalers are used and disposed of there should be appropriate steps in place to recycle and dispose of them responsibly. This mainly affects the healthcare sector where patients are provided with and may try to return inhalers. Options that prevent the inhalers from being disposed of with general waste are vital.
The main organisations that should have processes in place to recycle inhalers are:
- Hospitals – old and damaged inhalers from patients can be recycled separately from other clinical waste.
- Pharmacies – inhalers returned by customers that are stored and recycled away from other pharmaceutical waste.
- Schools – broken and lost inhalers from pupils during PE lessons and daily school life.
- Care homes – damaged and used inhalers by residents that need replacing or who have left them behind.
Arrange collection of old inhalers
Book removal of any old inhalers from your pharmacy, healthcare centre, or any other organisation with Business Waste. We can provide free bins and containers to store the used medical devices safely and separately away from other waste types. Then licensed waste carriers will remove them at an agreed time and date.
You’ll receive a free duty of care certificate that confirms the location and method of disposal for added peace of mind. Speak to one of our friendly and expert team to discuss your requirements and for a free quote. Call 0800 211 8390 or contact us online to discuss your needs today.
Recycling inhalers FAQs
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Which pharmacies recycle inhalers?
All pharmacies in the UK should offer a service to take back and recycle inhalers. This includes NHS Trusts, high street chemists, and pharmacies anywhere across the country. They will only accept and recycle inhalers from individuals – businesses and organisations must arrange their own collections and recycling solutions.
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How do you dispose of inhalers in the UK?
To dispose of inhalers in the UK as an individual you should return them to your local pharmacy. They should accept any type of inhaler as part of a recycling scheme and ensure it’s disposed of responsibly. You may also be able to get rid of an old inhaler at a local healthcare centre if they also run a recycling scheme.
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Which inhalers are bad for the environment?
Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) can be bad for the environment if they’re disposed of improperly. This is because they contain propellants that are greenhouse gases, which may be released into the atmosphere and add to global warming if they’re not managed safely. Therefore, they have a higher carbon footprint than dry powder inhalers (DPIs).
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