SOUTH Australia's National Pharmacies has announced a three month pilot scheme under which selected stores will invite customers to return and deposit empty pill blister packs into special boxes.
The program will run across nine stores including Gawler, Golden Grove, Mitcham, Norwood, Victor Harbor, Blackwood, Findon, Glenelg and Middle Brighton (Vic), and if successful will expand across the group's 44-strong network.
The initiative was suggested by a National Pharmacies employee via the organisation's internal innovation hub, with the company saying it further strengthens a commitment to become more environmentally sustainable.
National Pharmacies CEO Vito Borrello said "we are excited about this initiative and thrilled to see such a wonderful idea come to life".
"It is fantastic that our employees are always exploring ways in which to be innovative, live our values and serve the community," he said.
Recycling organisation Pharmacycle will collect the instore boxes once full, then process and recycle the contents at a specialist facility in Australia.
The recycled blister packs will eventually be remanufactured as construction materials and thermal blocks, National Pharmacies said.
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