Cancer group eco-drive over medicine blister packs

A cancer support group is raising awareness about the environmental impact of blister packs used for medication.

Residents, who set up the group in Ludlow in Shropshire in 2014, have highlighted how the pill packets are difficult to recycle because they are made up of different materials - aluminium and plastic.

Since they launched a social media recycling campaign in October - which includes a site where people can drop off their pill packets that the group collects and sends to a specialist recycling plant in Hull - they have been "overwhelmed" by offers of help.

Ludlow Cancer Support Group chairwoman Rosemary Wood has now called on the pharmaceutical industry to take responsibility.

"Should we all be writing to our MP asking for the pharmaceutical companies to take responsibility," she asked.

"Should we be asking for more money?

"Should we be putting pressure on the pharmaceutical companies to say to them - either you help with the recycling costs or you do some research and perhaps find something that is more suitable for recycling?"

As part of the recycling campaign, LCSG members persuaded a local Tesco supermarket to install a drop-off bin for the blister packs. They then collect them and send them on to a specialist recycling plant in Hull.

A box for the service costs up to £108, but the group has had donations from "all manner of individuals and organisations", including a grant for £900.

Ludlow artist Miranda Goudge has created an art piece using blister packs at the supermarket to raise awareness.

Lindsay Lewis, at Hendra House Care Home in the town, said they had recycled with LCSG and would now buy its own boxes.

Di Lyle, from environmental group Ludlow 21, described the LCSG's initiative as "fantastic" and said they would be discussing how to extend it at their next meeting.

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