For more information about living with and managing type 1 and type 2 diabetes and supporting resources see our diabetes pages.
PenCycle®
We’re working to increase awareness of the Novo Nordisk PenCycle® scheme to recycle pre-filled injection pens used in diabetes and weight management. This scheme is currently operating in many community pharmacies across West Yorkshire. The PenCycle® website contains a link to a list of participating pharmacies. Other healthcare settings can provide information to patients about the service, full details on the PenCycle® website below.
Home | PenCycle (pen-cycle.co.uk)
Information about PenCycle for community pharmacies in West Yorkshire
RePen® Insulin Pen Recycling
Sanofi offer a free postal recycling scheme for their insulin pens. The RePen® website has information on which insulin pens can be returned via this scheme and how to order postal envelopes for returning pens.
Insulin pump recycling schemes
Schemes include:
- Omnipod Eco Box
- Mylife Diabetescare Eco-Product Programme
- Tyvek take back scheme on the Accu-Chek consumables for insulin website pages
Continuous glucose monitoring
- See the questions and answers on the Freestyle Libre website for information about how you dispose the Sensor components after use
- See the support pages on the FreeStyle Libre pages for more information about recycling your old Abbott electrical devices
Recycling blood glucose meters
Dispose of blood glucose meters properly when you no longer need them or when they stop working. Recycle them whenever possible.
- Test strips and lancets: place them in biohazard waste
- Batteries: recycle them through local battery recycling facilities
This document includes a list of blood glucose meter recycling methods.
Reusable pens
This presentation shows a list of insulin pens and the name of the equivalent reusable pen.
In a second video, Phil tells us his reasons for switching to a reusable cartridge pen.
Other recycling schemes
Medicines blister packs
Medicine blister packs are complicated to recycle as most of the packet is made from plastic but the top surface which is sealed to the plastic is made from aluminium foil.
A recycling initiative for empty medicine and vitamin blister packs has expanded to 800 Boots stores nationwide. This scheme provides a convenient way for people to dispose of used blister packs responsibly, helping to reduce waste that would otherwise go to landfill
While the Recycle at Boots app offers rewards for participation, recycling is still possible without signing up. Other blister pack recycling schemes may also be available locally. See the recycle your medicine and vitamin blister packs pages or explore local recycling options.