A VETERINARY group has joined up with a pharmacy business to launch a recycling scheme.

Paragon Veterinary Group has partnered with Dalston Pharmacy to launch a new 'blister pack' recycling scheme where locals can now drop off their empty tablet blister-packs at collection bins in the veterinary surgeries at Dalston and Newbiggin near Penrith, and at the Dalston chemist shop.

Small animal vet Laura Binnie, explains the scheme: “Blister packs are very tricky to recycle as they are mixed materials, made from plastic and foil, and so they can’t go in general recycling bins.

“We dispense a lot of medications that come in them, so I was pleased to find a way to recycle them and delighted that Dalston Pharmacy are joining us.

“We are working hard at Paragon to be as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible, and this is another thing we can do for everyone’s benefit.”

Mark Stakim, pharmacist and owner of Dalston Pharmacy, said: “I’m really delighted to be part of this.  I have been doing Paragon’s flu vaccines for the past few years and got talking to Laura about environmental issues and working greener and trying to take care of the planet.”

After the recyling bins are full, Laura will take them to a collection point in Carlisle where they will be sent for recycling into items like plastic benches and bottles.

Laura adds: “It is really nice for two local businesses to join forces to work towards the same goal.

"There is nothing to be gained from it financially, but we just feel it is the right thing to do.”