Press Release, 11th March, 2013

Compelete the Cycle

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP,Duncan McNeil, visited The Co-operative Pharmacy in Greenock to learn more about an innovative respiratory inhaler recycling scheme that has been launched across the UK.

The Complete the Cycle Inhaler Recycling and Recovery Scheme, offered at the Roxburgh Street pharmacy, enables individuals to reduce their carbon footprint by returning their respiratory inhalers for recycling, avoiding the harmful impact associated with landfill disposal. 

The scheme allows any inhaler to be handed in regardless of whether or not it was made by GSK. 

Complete the Cycle is now available in over 1,300 pharmacies within three miles of almost 75% of the UK population.

A total of 73 million inhalers are used in the UK every year1 and over 63% are placed in domestic bins after use. While most local authorities can recycle certain plastics, some inhaler components contain plastics which are not readily recycled in council schemes. Consequently, most respiratory inhalers are disposed of in landfill, which is harmful to the environment - not just in material waste but also in greenhouse gas emissions should the gas canisters become pierced or crushed and the propellant released.

Duncan McNeil said:

“It was great to meet with staff to learn about this innovative recycling initiative and to hear about the crucial services the pharmacy provides in the heart of our community”

“The Complete the Cycle initiative will help to reduce CO2 emissions and will have the additional benefit of providing opportunities for customers to learn more about correct inhaler techniques which will help to improve their condition”