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Sustainability

Inhaler Recycling Project

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.

Sustainability

Inhaler Recycling Project

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.

Sustainability improves the quality of our lives, protects our ecosystems and preserves resources for future generations.

Additional support

Customer Care 080 222 6662 or email us recycling.sa@cipla.com

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.

Our efforts are ongoing to contribute
to a more sustainable planet

Bronkiboosters

The Bronki Boosters are here to help clean the environment and protect it from pollution.

Repurposed Materials

We’ve partnered with Grow to give old marketing material a new lease on life.

Reverse Vending Machines

Employees earn points for recycled materials, which can be converted into vouchers for valued goods.

Paper-usage Reduction

By digitising our package inserts (PI) we help reduce our carbon footprint.