Posted on: 16 October 2023
This week 16 to 24 October is Recycle Week and we’re reminding people about the PenCycle recycling initiative designed to tackle the environmental impact of pre-filled injection pens used by those living with diabetes and obesity. We’re also encouraging more community pharmacies to sign up and take advantage of the scheme.
PenCycle, makes it easier for people to recycle their empty diabetes and weight management treatment Novo Nordisk pre-filled pens, promoting sustainability and reducing waste. People have a choice of two free return options using a dedicated PenCycle returns box, including community pharmacy drop off at participating pharmacies, and via the post.
So far in West Yorkshire 190 community pharmacies have signed up to take part and injection pen users have returned around 7,000 empty pens. That equates to 74kgs of plastic which has been prevented ending up in landfill or incineration and has been recycled into things like chairs, lamps and other glassware. Nationally, the PenCycle scheme has seen returns of 300,000 (3,100kg of plastic) pens since the launch one year ago in October 2022.
See the PenCycle website for more information and a list of participating pharmacies.
Recycle Week is an annual event aimed at inspiring us all to improve our recycling habits. The theme this year is the ‘big recycling hunt’, which focuses on those items that can be recycled but might be missed. That could include things like empty aerosols, food tins, plastic cleaning and toiletry bottles, pots, tubs and trays.
To find out more about how we are taking climate change into our own hands and to make your pledge visit allhandsin.co.uk. See the WRAP website for more information about Recycle Week including resources and assets to support this year’s campaign.