Where do Asthma inhalers go?

Pressurised metered-dose inhalers use hydrofluoroalkane propellants with global warming potentials in the hundreds to low thousands, and a binned inhaler eventually vents all of it. Pharmacies collect them for high-temperature incineration, which destroys the propellant rather than releasing it. Dry powder inhalers have no propellant but are still best returned, because the plastic body is not sorted by any kerbside system. Take them back even when they feel empty — a "spent" canister usually still holds propellant. Pharmacy take-back arrangements differ between countries, chains and local schemes, so ask at the counter.

How to prepare it

1. Return the whole device, canister included.
2. Take several at once rather than binning the ones you forget.

What not to do

• Never pierce or burn a canister; it is pressurised.
• Never bin one assuming it is empty.

Kerbside collection rules genuinely vary by council and county, and local rules always win over general guidance. The reasoning above is what transfers — if your service differs, it will usually be for a reason described here.

Other things that go to pharmacy

• Medicines and tablets Take them back to a pharmacy. Not the bin, and — with a short list of exceptions — not the toilet.