Medication Blister Pack Recycling

Did you know that we are a collection point for Blister Pack Recycling?

Blister packs are a type of packaging made from a combination of plastic and aluminum, making them tricky to recycle; however, with a little effort they can be recycled through specialist recycling programs and given a new life.

Blister pack recycling helps to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfill by ensuring that the plastic is recycled into new products. This helps to reduce the amount of plastic that pollutes the environment and can be harmful to animals and ecosystems. Additionally, recycling helps to conserve resources and reduce the amount of energy needed to produce new products from raw materials. Finally, recycling blister packs can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as producing new products from recycled materials requires fewer resources and produces fewer pollutants.

You can recycle any brand of empty medicinal blister packs but do not bring in blister packs containing medicine. Unused medication can be taken to your local Pharmacy for correct disposal. Outer cardboard packaging can be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin.

Once collected, the material packaging is broken down and separated. Plastics are cleaned and recycled into new products, while the metal is smelted and converted to new alloys.

This service is NOT free as a single box costs Wasteless Pantry $192.50 to be recycled. We charge $4 per 100g to cover the cost of providing this service.

However, we’re thrilled to confirm a breakthrough in blister pack recycling. Single-material aluminium blister packs are eligible for kerbside recycling, just like aluminium foil!

Here’s how you do it:

Scrunch the Aluminium: If you’ve got single-material aluminium blister packs, simply scrunch up the aluminium into a tennis ball size or larger. Keep these packs free of any plastic or other materials.

Yellow Top Bin: Once you’ve scrunched up the aluminium, toss it into your yellow top recycling bin along with other recyclables. This ensures that the aluminium gets processed correctly and can be transformed into new products.

Mixed Material Packs: Please note that this update applies only to single-material aluminium blister packs. Mixed material packs, containing both plastic and metal, still need to be handled separately. These can be recycled for a fee at your local Wasteless Pantry store.

By recycling aluminium blister packs, you’re not only diverting waste from landfill but also contributing to the creation of new recycled products.

Want to know what else you can recycle through WP?

Check out our Specialist Recycling page!

We’re passionate about providing sustainable solutions to help reduce waste, so why not join us in making a difference and recycling your empty medicinal blister packs today?

Easy Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Recipe

Whip up a delicious and nutritious Gluten-Free Carrot Cake using ingredients from Wasteless Pantry. This recipe combines health-conscious elements with the convenience of gluten-free baking, perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to reduce gluten intake. Here’s a simple guide to making a moist and flavorful carrot cake that’s sure to delight.

Ingredients:

500g Gluten-Free Banana Bread Mix
2.5 tbsp Mixed Spice
1 tbsp Cinnamon
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
2 tsp Nutmeg
200g Grated Carrot
3 Eggs or 3 Tbsp flaxseed meal mixed with 6 Tbsp water for a vegan option
1 tbsp Maple Syrup
1 tbsp Oil
1 cup Milk of choice (adjust if batter is too thick)

Instructions:

Mixing: Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Start on low speed for 1 minute, then scrape down the sides and continue mixing for another 4 minutes.
Baking: Transfer the batter to a greased loaf or slice pan. Bake at 170°C for 55-65 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center.
Serving: Let the cake cool before slicing. Serve as is or with a light dusting of powdered sugar or your favorite frosting.

Why Shop at Wasteless Pantry? Buying ingredients from Wasteless Pantry not only ensures that you’re getting high-quality, fresh products but also supports sustainable shopping practices. By choosing a bulk food store, you can buy exactly what you need, reducing food waste and packaging. Wasteless Pantry’s commitment to sustainability makes it an excellent choice for eco-conscious consumers looking to impact their cooking and the environment positively.

This gluten-free carrot cake is more than just a treat; it’s a testament to the delicious possibilities of mindful baking. Enjoy creating this cake that promises to be a hit at any gathering or a comforting snack at home!

Deliciously Zesty Citrus Peel, Ginger & Carrot Muffins Recipe

Here’s a delightful recipe for Citrus Peel, Ginger & Carrot Muffins that combines wholesome ingredients with a burst of flavor. These muffins are perfect for those who enjoy a bit of zest in their baked goods, featuring a mix of wholemeal and self-raising flours, spicy ground ginger, and sweet brown sugar. The addition of mixed peel and raisins adds a chewy texture, while carrots keep the muffins moist and flavorful. The recipe is flexible, allowing for substitutes like flaxseed meal or canola oil to cater to different dietary needs. Bake these aromatic treats and enjoy a delicious snack any time of the day!

Grab what you need from Wasteless Pantry of these:

– A cup wholemeal flour

– 1 cup self-raising flour

– 1 tbsp baking powder

– ½ tsp ground ginger

– ½ cup brown sugar

– ¼ cup citrus peel

– ¼ cup raisin

And these elsewhere:

– 1 cup grated carrot

– 2 eggs (or 2 tsp of flaxseed meal in 4 Tbsp of water)

– ¾ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

– 50g melted butter (or canola oil)

Method:

Prepare: Preheat your oven to 200C and line your muffin tray with reusable silicone liners.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Combine flour, baking powder, ginger, and sugar.
Add Fruits and Vegetables: Stir in mixed peel, raisins, and carrots.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and melted butter.
Combine Mixes: Make a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the wet ingredients, and mix until combined.
Bake: Fill muffin cups and bake until golden (approx 18-20 mins).
Cool and Enjoy: Let the muffins cool before enjoying.

This recipe is a great way to use versatile ingredients like mixed peel, enhancing the flavor profile of your muffins. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or a sweet treat, these muffins offer a delightful taste and a satisfying texture that will impress.

Need more inspiration? Check out our blog!

Homemade Vegan-Friendly Dairy-Free Parmesan Recipe

Discover how to create your own vegan-friendly, dairy-free Parmesan recipe using simple ingredients from Wasteless Pantry. This recipe is perfect for those looking to enjoy the rich flavors of Parmesan cheese without any animal products. Here’s how to whip up this easy and delicious alternative.

Ingredients:

½ cup Almond meal
3 tbsp Nutritional yeast
½ tsp Onion powder
¼ tsp Garlic powder
½ tsp Salt
A pinch of smokey paprika
½ – 1 tsp Lime or lemon juice (optional)

Instructions:

Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the almond meal, nutritional yeast, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and smokey paprika. Stir until well mixed.
Add Citrus: For a tangy flavor, stir in lime or lemon juice to taste.
Season to Taste: Adjust the seasonings according to your personal preference to get that perfect cheesy zest.
Ready to Serve: Your vegan Parmesan is ready to sprinkle over pasta, salads, or any dish that needs a cheesy touch without the dairy.

Why Choose Wasteless Pantry? Shopping at Wasteless Pantry for your ingredients not only supports sustainable practices but also ensures that you are using high-quality, fresh ingredients for your cooking. Buying from a bulk food store like Wasteless Pantry allows you to purchase just the right amounts, reducing food waste and unnecessary packaging. This aligns with eco-friendly values, making your culinary efforts both delicious and environmentally conscious.

Enjoy crafting this simple yet flavorful vegan Parmesan cheese that adds a wonderful finishing touch to your meals, all while being kind to the planet.

Waste Free Halloween

package free grocery store halloween tips

If you are getting into the Halloween spirit, there are ways to do it with less waste with tips from our package-free grocery store…

* Find or make a Halloween-themed trick-or-treat bag that can be reused every year. Try to make it hardy enough to pop into the wash at the end of the celebrations. Similarly, feel free to get creative or keep it simple depending on your skill and energy levels.
* Buy secondhand, borrow, create your own, or check out your Buy Nothing pages rather than purchasing new costumes and decorations each year. Or keep reusing the same ones and see how long you can get out of them! You could even swap with others so that everyone gets a turn at being the best wicked witch in the land.
* Then give out plastic-free unpackaged lollies that you bought from Wasteless Pantry your local package-free grocery store. You can create your own mix of favourites including horrific lolly snakes. Additionally, pop them in your favourite Halloween-themed bowl and use tongs to dispense them for hygiene.
* Make your own scary cookies instead of lollies to mix it up. Check out our recipe.

By role-modeling waste-free options you are helping your community celebrate and spreading the message that plastic-free Halloween events are possible. Imagine if you inspired someone to do it a little better next year too. As well as showing the next generation how it’s done well! Bring on the new normal of using less plastic and making the most of our resources.

Gluten-Free, Muesli Hedgehog Slice

gluten free bulk wholefoods muesli slice

Imagine biting into a delicious hedgehog slice made with gluten free bulk wholefoods with no packaging waste! That’s what you have to look forward to if you make this recipe with ingredients you buy from Wasteless Pantry, either refilled in-store or delivered to your home when ordered online. Above all, our zero waste bulk food stores make it easy peasy to go plastic free, therefore, no need for single-use packaging to eat well! In other words, Wasteless Pantry is your go to for trying out recipes just like this. After you’ve tried this one, you can always check out our blog for inspiration and other recipes made from gluten free bulk wholefoods. We certainly hope you enjoy it!

Makes: 16 bars

Ingredients from WP:

– ¼ cup organic coconut cream (made from our powder)

– 200g dark chocolate, roughly chopped

– 2 cups Gluten-Free Muesli (a few options in the store)

– ½ cup desiccated coconut, plus 2 tbsp extra

– ¼ cup shelled salted pistachios

Extra pistachios, cranberries & macadamias, to top

Method

1. Line a square 20cm slice tin with a reusable baking liner

2. Bring the coconut cream to a simmer in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat & add the chopped chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is glossy & melted.

3. Place the Gluten-Free Muesli, ½ cup desiccated coconut & pistachios in a large bowl, mixing well

4. Add ½ the melted chocolate & stir to combine.

5. Spoon the mixture over the base of the tin, pressing gently into the corners.

6. Combine the remaining desiccated coconut & melted chocolate, then pour over the slice and spread evenly.

7. Top with extra pistachios, cranberries & macadamias.

8. Refrigerate overnight or until firm then turn onto a board & cut into 16 squares

Hibiscus Iced Tea

Creamy and cooling, this recipe uses bulk loose leaf tea package free from Wasteless Pantry (zero waste bulk food store in Perth, Australia) to create something amazing! Firstly, hibiscus tea is said to be high in antioxidants. Secondly, it is said to have a slightly tart flavour similar to cranberries. Therefore when you mix it with creamy coconut milk and a little sugar you get this delightful drink perfect for Summer days. As an added bonus, it can be made without waste if you shop for bulk food online or in-store via Wasteless Pantry.

Ingredients from Wasteless Pantry:

– 5 tsp hibiscus tea

– 3 tbsp sugar

– 2-1/2 cups milk (any type, we used our coconut milk powder)

Other bits:

– 5 cups of water

– ice

Method

1. Bring the 5 cups of water to a boil

2. Steep the hibiscus tea for 5 minutes

3. While it’s still hot mix in sugar, mixing until dissolved

4. Remove hibiscus tea leaves & let chill in the fridge

5. Once cooled add milk and ice, it’s now ready to serve (serves 5)

Loved this recipe and need more inspiration? Then try our Matcha Iced Latte recipe next! Alternatively, check out our wide range of other bulk loose leaf tea options. As well as this we have tea strainers, teapots, espresso makers, and plungers to try. In short, enjoying a waste-free beverage is easy to achieve and your compost will love the leftovers! In addition, you can even add them to your worm farm or topsoil without worry as there is no smell.

Easy Homemade Protein Bars (Cinnamon Roll)

This power-hit recipe is a great way to learn how to use bulk protein powder in something other than a smoothie! Whether you choose whey or pea protein powder from Wasteless Pantry (zero waste bulk food store Perth, Australia), you’ll be delighted with the results! Plus by getting your bulk food online or instore unpackaged, this recipe is waste free and plastic free as well. Buying wholefoods naked like this really helps the environment as well as your weight loss or weight management efforts too! Therefore, you really cant go wrong giving it a go.

Ingredients from WP:

– ½ cup protein powder

– 1tsp cinnamon

– 1cup rolled oats

– 2tbsp coconut oil

– ½cup almond butter

– ¼cup honey

– ½tsp vanilla extract

– 1tbsp water

– Sprinkle of salt

Method

1. Pulse dry ingredients in a food processor blending for 1 minute, until oats are powdery and fine.

2. Add wet ingredients to the food processor blending for another 30 seconds, until the mixture is well combined.

3. Check the consistency – Fold some of the mixture in your hand; it should form a ball & not crumble. If the mixture is crumbly, add water and process again.

4. Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with a baking liner, & press the protein bar mixture into the pan until smooth across the top. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt, then chill for 2 hours (or freeze for 30 minutes).

5. Pull the bars out of the loaf pan, and cut them into 8 squares.

Keen for another protein powder recipe? Try our Vanilla Chai Protein Smoothie recipe next.

Homemade Package Free Dog Treats

You’ve made the move to low-waste living and so should your pet! Zero waste dog care needs just a few tweaks such as switching to eco-friendly package-free dog food. By refilling your container you are minimizing single-use plastic packaging waste. Also, by choosing locally made, you are supporting local businesses and minimizing food miles. Or make your own plastic-free dog food treats using the recipe below. Or using a natural fibre brush instead of plastic. This stops microplastics from ending up in our environment and bodies. Or using an Ensopet system to compost pet waste at home. Keeps the yard clean and adds nutrients back into your soil. And all of this is on offer at Wasteless Pantry!

Show your dog some love with these homemade low-waste dog food treats 🐾

Ingredients from WP:

– 50g Oats – 140g Wholemeal spelt flour – 140g Peanut butter

Ingredients from elsewhere: – 1 Medium mashed banana – 1 Egg

Method:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C.

2. Add ingredients to a mixer until combined, adding a little more flour & mix again if still overly sticky & wet.

3. Roll in between two pieces of baking liner till approx. 5mm thick, then cut into shapes with a cookie cutter or into squares with a knife. Position on a lined tray.

4. Bake in the oven for 20min. Turn the oven off, flip the biscuits & place them back in the switched-off oven for an hour, letting them dry out further.

Your dog will be sure to love this eco-friendly natural dog food treat recipe! Congratulations on making your own sustainable dog food!

Meet bulk food store Perth owner Jeannie

Meet the famous Jeannie 🏑

Hi I’m Jeannie, I’ve been working at Wasteless Pantry with Amanda for 7 years, over 8 if you count the time we spent planning & developing the business. Before WP I was a Paramedic, although my three kids grew up with WP & I don’t think they remember me as anything else😆 I’m grateful to work with such an awesome team at the bulk food store Perth, we all laugh & work hard together, which makes the day fly by.

I love playing & coaching hockey, running in the bush & visiting the beach. My beautiful native garden is designed to be a habitat, and I grow some veggies & lots of herbs. I love cooking & eating equally, so I’m spoilt with access to all the yummy ingredients at WP.

Favourite zero waste swap from Wasteless Pantry bulk food store Perth?

My original favourite product at WP is the Onya produce bags – I’ve had mine since before WP. When I shop for fresh produce I use them in place of plastic, once I get home the produce gets dunked in a bucket of water to wash, then sits on the dish rack drying, while still in the bag & the water goes to the garden. They double as a wash bag for delicates as well! A Perth-owned company makes them from recycled plastic, by a Perth-owned company. I also love our cleaners from Envirocare. Made in Perth & safe for grey water systems, they eliminate the need for single-use plastic! Oh & the shampoo & conditioner bars… I have too many favourites! you’ll have to come in so I can show you them all 😁

My top tips for cutting down waste

Identify what part of your household generates the most waste & start there. For most families, it’s the kitchen, laundry & bathroom. Start with one or two items at a time before moving on to the next.

Find an outlet for your food waste & keep it out of your landfill bin – organic waste is a precious resource. I’m lucky to have the space for chickens, but a compost, Bokashi bucket, worm farm or even someone else’s chickens will do, & if you are lucky enough to have a FOGO bin, give your local council a big clap!

Be kind to yourself and celebrate your progress! None of us are perfect, & you are fabulous for making this a priority in life!