Sustainability
In South Africa alone, 6.34m inhalers are dispensed annually. And these inhalers are all made of plastic, among things. So, we’re launching a campaign to encourage people to dispense of their asthma inhalers responsibly and sustainably. The plastic will be recycled and repurposed into items that will make a profound difference in communities while helping to reduce our collective carbon footprint.
Customer Care 080 222 6662 or email us recycling.sa@cipla.com
Frequently asked questions
Consumers / Patients / General Public
Can I throw used or unwanted inhalers in the general waste bin?
No, these inhalers end up in landfill and have a negative impact on the environment. Propellants used in inhalers contain greenhouse gases which can leak out and pollute water, air and/ or soil.
Can I place used or unwanted inhalers in my recycling bins?
No, not all recycling companies recycle inhalers, and these too may end up in general waste. It is better to rather take it to a pharmacy where it will be responsibly disposed.
Do I need to take care about how I store my inhaler?
Absolutely! Some inhalers are inflammable if exposed to extreme temperature, therefore due care (as suggested by your healthcare provider) needs to be taken when using and storing inhalers throughout your ownership of them.
What is the Cipla inhaler recycling initiative?
This initiative is a recycling scheme for used and unwanted inhalers. It aims to get people working together to help reduce waste and greenhouse gases that pollute our planet. Through this we can all contribute towards more environmentally sustainable treatment of respiratory disease.
Where can I take all my used or unwanted inhalers?
You can collect your inhalers and deposit them at one of our participating pharmacies you can also suggest to your pharmacy that they reach out to Cipla to join in the next phase of the initiative.
Can I return my inhaler to any pharmacy?
For the pilot, we are partnering with 45 pharmacies the list with locations can be found down the page.
What can I do if the pharmacies partnering with Cipla are not in my area?
You can refer your pharmacy to contact Cipla so we can try get them included in the post-Pilot phase. In the meantime, you can take your collected waste to your pharmacy, and they should be able to dispose of your inhaler responsibly.
Which inhalers can I return for recycling?
All brands, shapes and sizes of respiratory inhalers are welcome! We are collecting all your used and unwanted inhalers.
Can I only bring back Cipla inhalers?
The planet is everyone’s responsibility, and we need to work together to make it a cleaner, greener home for all. So, all brands of inhalers are welcome.
What happens to the returned inhalers?
The inhalers will be separated into their different components. At present we are only able to recycle the plastic components with the metal and gases being disposed of responsibly.
Should I try dismantling my inhaler before I recycle it?
No, just drop off the entire inhaler as is and we will get it separated by the necessary parties and responsibly dispose of the non-recyclable parts.
Are all components of the inhalers recyclable?
Not at present but we are researching with our waste management partner on ways to also reuse the metal and gases in future.
HCP Partners
What can I do when the bin gets full before collection date?
You can reach us on our customer care line: 080 222 6662
Who is responsible for the upkeep/ maintenance of the bin?
Cipla reps that are assigned to your pharmacy will regularly check in just to assess how the initiative is going and for you to discuss any intricacies. However, you are also welcome to reach us on the following email: recycling.sa@cipla.com
Who is responsible for the emptying of the bin?
Our partner Interwaste will be collecting all the waste form the inhaler bins.
How can I ensure no one can interfere with the contents of the bin?
The inhaler bins have a locking mechanism and a tamper-proof entry hole to reduce likelihood of tampering.
Who has access to the key?
Our Cipla reps will give one of your responsible pharmacists a key for use if ever needed. Cipla and Interwaste also have keys for use if needed.
What happens if something (not inhalers) falls into the bin?
Your responsible pharmacist will be given a key to have access to the bin.
What do I do if my bin gets damaged?
You can inform your servicing Cipla rep or email us at recycling.sa@cipla.com
Who is allowed to collect my bin waste?
Only your Cipla rep and Interwaste are permitted to collect the bin waste.
Can I send the collected inhalers with my general waste?
No, kindly inform us through our customer care line or email if your bin has not been collected.
Who can I contact if my waste has not been collected as per agreement?
You can inform your Cipla rep if they are on site. Alternatively, you can call our customer care line or email us.
What else is expected of me?
We would greatly appreciate it if you could assist with amplifying this initiative through any (or all) of the following:
• Placing recycling stickers on inhaler boxes when they are being purchased
• Inform inhaler script collectors about the initiative
• Provision of any space in the pharmacy for marketing material
Other HCPs
What is the Cipla inhaler recycling initiative?
This initiative is a recycling scheme for used and unwanted inhalers. It aims to get people working together to help reduce waste and greenhouse gases that pollute our planet. Through this we can all contribute towards more environmentally sustainable treatment of respiratory disease.
How can I get involved?
Please send us an email at and we will guide you further about possibly joining this exciting initiative after the pilot.
Who will arrange the logistics (bin acquisition, collection, etc.)?
Cipla and our partners will ensure your participation is seamless so rest easy, we will handle this aspect.
Can I collect inhalers even if I have not formally arranged with Cipla?
Yes you may, however, we ask that you please contact us on our email so we can try assess how we can navigate this together.
Can I collect inhalers in any other container which is not the Cipla provided bins?
It is not advisable to do so as we specifically manufactured the Cipla bins in accordance with regulations to prevent any tampering or injury to persons. We would love to have you on this journey with so please do not hesitate to reach us on our Cipla email recycling.sa@cipla.com and we can try see how we can help.
Do we have to dismantle the collected inhalers?
No, we would get it separated by the necessary parties and responsibly disposed.
Which inhalers can the public return for recycling?
All brands, shapes and sizes of respiratory inhalers are welcome! We are collecting all your used and unwanted inhalers.
Can the public only bring back Cipla inhalers?
The planet is everyone’s responsibility, and we need to work together to make it a cleaner, greener home for all. So, all brands of inhalers are welcome.
What happens to the returned inhalers?
The inhalers will be separated into their different components. At present we are only able to recycle the plastic components with the metal and gases being disposed of responsibly.
Where can I find more information about the initiative?
Email us at recycling.sa@cipla.comv or give us a ring at 080 222 6662
Participating pharmacies
Helping The Planet Breathe!
The Bronki Boosters are here to help clean the environment and protect it from pollution.
Other sustainability initiatives
Repurposed Marketing Items
After a campaign has ended, there’s usually a plethora of marketing material left to collect dust in a storeroom, before ending up in a landfill. We’ve partnered with Grow to give old marketing material a new lease on life. The Growbag upcycled range converts promotional materials into a unique range of planters! The material used is highly durable and long-lasting making it a sustainable and eco-friendly product.
Paper-usage Reduction
Cipla is currently implementing innovative measures – such as digitizing package inserts (PI) – to reduce our carbon footprint. The PI will be accessible on various newly launched products initially, simply by scanning the QR code on the medicine packaging. The digitized PI ensures convenient access to up-to-date information as it can be easily updated and helps improve legibility as the font on the printed versions is generally very small. It also helps to significantly reduce the number of printed inserts required, thereby preserving natural resources.
Reverse Vending Machine
One of the ways that we’re trying to do our bit for the environment is by installing a reverse vending machine (RVM) and some of our offices. The objective of the RVM is to divert waste from our landfills in accordance with Cipla’s ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This machine creates an incentive for people to recycle as they can earn points for recycled materials, which can be converted into vouchers for valued goods.
