Paragon Veterinary Group has partnered with Dalston Pharmacy to launch a new recycling scheme.

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, said: “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.”

Locals can drop off their empty blister packs in the special collection bins at the veterinary surgeries and the pharmacy, and Laura will take them to a collection point in Carlisle where they will be sent for recycling into items like plastic benches and bottles.

Ms Binnie added: "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.”

"Both businesses are working hard to become sustainable. Dalston Pharmacy’s measures include using only electricity from renewable sources, and the purchase of an electric van and it is on track to have a zero carbon footprint.

Paragon’s measures tackle energy, biodiversity, recycling and clinical work and it has committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030 or sooner.

Laura, who is Paragon’s sustainability lead, said: “It’s not just looking at our carbon figures, but doing everything we can to become more sustainable and try to set an example.”