HARD-to-recycle blister packs can now be dropped off at Boots locations across Dorset.

This follows the success of a pilot scheme by the company, with the initiative now rolled out to more than 800 stores nationwide.

All blister packs, whether previously used to hold medications or vitamins and no matter which brand, can now be recycled through the scheme.

Blister packs cannot be placed in the kerbside recycling bin as they are made of a combination of plastic and foil that cannot be separated by Dorset Waste Services.

The packs will be collected by Boots before being handed to MYGroup which will separate the foil and plastic using a specialised machine and convert all the waste into something new.

The now-separated metal foil is recycled conventionally (aluminium is infinitely recyclable) while the plastic is processed into a useable form again, such as window frames or piping, or made into a material called MYBoard.

Nothing goes to landfill, and nothing is incinerated, according to Boots.

MYBoard is used to make a variety of things, including tables, children’s playgrounds, chairs, garden planters, shop fittings and lots more.

The scheme asks people to download the Recycle at Boots app, as if people deposit five or more packs in one go, they will receive 100 Advantage Card points when they spend £5.

Signing up for the app is not a requirement to recycle the packs.

Find out more about the initiative by clicking here.