Inhaler disposal-recent advice from our local respiratory services .

[PaulineHM]

Hope this helps folk ?

RETURN YOUR USED INHALERS TO A

PHARMACY TO HELP REDUCE YOUR

CARBON FOOTPRINT

The propellants used in some inhalers are powerful greenhouse gases that

contribute to climate change. Even after an inhaler is finished it still contains

these environmentally damaging gases.

(Please be assured these gases are not harmful to you when you use your inhaler)

Return all used inhalers to your local pharmacy for

safe disposal – Returned inhalers will be incinerated which will

destroy the greenhouse gases and prevent inhaler plastics going to

landfill

Don’t throw used inhalers into your household waste or

recycling bins! Landfill disposal of inhalers is harmful to the

environment due to left over gases being released into the atmosphere.

Plastics from inhalers cannot be recycled using domestic recycling schemes

Make each puff count! – Only order your inhaler when required to

reduce waste

If you have concerns about the environmental impact of your inhaler, make an

appointment with your GP practice - don’t stop using your inhaler!

[Nula2]

Thank you Pauline. I'm lucky my pharmacy will take mine. I know some have said theirs won't take them! xxx

[PaulineHM in reply to Nula2]

Yes, the pharmacy I use takes them as well. I wonder why there isn’t a national scheme available ?

[Nula2 in reply to PaulineHM]

Yes as they can't be recycled at home or put in general waste you'd think there should be.🤷‍♀️xxx

[Egpa]

Hi, I save mine up and hand them into the Respiratory dept at the hospital. Or when I go for appointments there.

[PaulineHM in reply to Egpa]

That’s a great idea for folk attending outpatients. Thank you.

[Nula2 in reply to Egpa]

Good idea 🙂xxx

[Ava09]

A big environmental help would be .... if we only had the metal gas container we inhale in a prescription without the plastic casing every time, as the casing can be used over and over again ....

[PaulineHM in reply to Ava09]

Yes, there are various schemes in the country but nothing nationally. A solution would be very helpful wouldn't it ?

[Germantara]

I would never take anything back to any pharmacy cause I once did and he said what do you want me to do I said docter told me and you would dispose off them appropriately he then through them on floor in chemist peaple looking I was embarrassed I said to him tell you what pick them up you're self you through them down on floor and when picking them up clean me shoes and I walked out

[PaulineHM in reply to Germantara]

Oh that isn't a good approach to recycling inhalers is it ?

[Biker88]

my pharmacy won’t take any meds back they tell me to bin them. However our household waste goes to the local incinerator which is good because I hate the thought of anything going in landfill

[PaulineHM]

Mmmm, That is interesting. I wonder if the local household waste incinerator is another option then ?