Ararat Rural City residents are taking positive steps for the environment, with more than 309 kilograms of used blister packs collected locally for recycling since the launch of the Pharmacycle program in 2022.
The figure represents more than 206,000 blister packs that would otherwise have gone to landfill. The program, which operates through local drop-off points and participating pharmacies, offers an easy way to recycle medicine packaging and help build a circular economy.
In the current financial year alone, Ararat Rural City's collection partners have diverted 245 kilograms of blister packs (more than 160,000 blister packs_ demonstrating the strong community support for sustainable recycling solutions.
Ararat's participating pharmacy, Blooms The Chemist Ararat, continues to play an active role in the program by providing a free local drop-off point for residents to recycle their empty medicine packaging. There is also a drop off point at Council Customer Service.
Chief Executive Officer Dr Tim Harrison said the results showed what can be achieved when the community embraces small, practical changes. "Every blister pack that's recycled instead of sent to landfill helps reduce waste and supports a more sustainable future for our region," Dr Harrison said. "It's encouraging to see local residents and businesses working together to make a measurable difference, and programs like Pharmacycle make that action simple, local, and effective."
Earth Day on 22 April highlights the importance of environmental responsibility, and this year the Council is encouraging more residents to get involved by dropping off their used blister packs for recycling.
"These results are something we can all take pride in," Dr Harrison said. "As a community, Ararat is showing that small collective actions really do add up to significant environmental outcomes."
Residents can find more information about the Pharmacycle program at https://www.pharmacycle.com.au/
