While on maternity leave with my daughter, I was searching for ways to save money and find freebies. One evening, while scrolling through TikTok, I discovered Boots’ recycling scheme—a smart way to earn rewards by recycling items I used daily with a baby at home.
As a fan of loyalty cards like Advantage Card, Nectar, and Clubcard, I was excited to learn that Boots offers a recycling program where you earn points directly onto your Advantage Card. Naturally, I had to try it.
Here’s how it works: First, download the Recycle at Boots app, sign up, and link your Advantage Card. The scheme covers two categories—beauty and blister packs—and you can recycle items from both to maximize your points.
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You need to collect at least five recyclable items per category. For beauty, acceptable items include empty shower gel bottles, makeup containers, deodorants, shampoos, lip balms, contact lens pots, and more—all detailed in the app.
If you have a baby, the program gets even better. It accepts baby formula box lids, scoops, empty nappy packets, baby wipe packets, baby food pouches, bottle teats, dummies, and more. Parents know these items pile up fast! For blister packs, look for empty medicine packaging.
Simply scan your five items through the app and wait for approval, which usually takes less than 24 hours. Then, head to your nearest Boots store to drop them off.
Recycling bins are typically near the back of the store or by the tills. Scan the QR code on the bin, confirm your items, and deposit them—it’s that easy.
After recycling, spend a minimum amount to receive points: £10 or more for beauty to earn £5 in Advantage points, and £5 or more for blister packs to earn £1 in points. Initially, I was spending £15 each time, but a helpful staff member explained I could combine the two purchases and spend just £10 total to earn points for both categories—making the scheme even more rewarding.
I usually spend the £10 on the baby essentials I just recycled, like nappies and wipes, so it’s money well spent. Once the transaction is complete, points appear almost instantly on my Advantage Card.
Since discovering the Recycle at Boots app in July, I’ve recycled 141 beauty items and 93 blister packs, including contributions from family members. Across 37 deposits, I’ve collected around £125 worth of points.
I save up recyclable items and drop them off whenever I’m at the store or nearby shopping centre. It feels great to recycle responsibly while getting rewarded, turning everyday waste into valuable perks.