Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) now can be recycled at selected pharmacies in Tauranga, Kawerau and Whakatāne as part of a first of its kind trial in Bay of Plenty and across New Zealand.

The initiative is part of a Health New Zealand six-month trial with New Zealand company, Gaiatech, to divert pharmaceutical waste going to landfill and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The propellants used in some inhalers are powerful greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change and even after an inhaler is finished it still contains these environmentally damaging gases.

During the trial, all parts of the inhaler - metal, plastic and the propellent gas - will be recycled to reduce waste to landfill and the left-over gases will be broken down safely so they are not released into the atmosphere.

“As part of Health New Zealand’s transition to a low-emissions future, every aspect of our operations matters, says Rick Lomax, head of sustainability at Health New Zealand.

“Almost 3 million MDIs are prescribed in New Zealand every year and the residual gas in these inhalers is not currently recovered or destroyed, leaking into the atmosphere and contributing to climate change.”

The trial will help understand the technical feasibility and logistics of collecting and removing MDIs from the waste stream. With that information, a financially and environmentally sustainable national programme can be designed that diverts inhaler gas waste.

Used MDI inhalers can be returned to the following pharmacies in the Eastern Bays:

• Whakatāne Hospital Pharmacy (near café)
• Kawerau Pharmacy
• Unichem Adamsons Pharmacy, Whakatāne