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Recycle at Boots

Recycle at Boots

Released: 2024-03-19
© Metrisk Ltd
Recycle at Boots - QR Code
Version 3.20.0
4+
Download on the App Store
Version 3.20.0
4+
Download on the App Store
Released: 2024-03-19
© Metrisk Ltd

iPhone Screenshots

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Description

Welcome to the Recycle at Boots App!
About
The Recycle at Boots Scheme is operated by Boots UK Limited (“Boots”) and Boots Retail (Ireland) Limited (“Boots ROI “) using Scan2Recycle technology.
It is aimed exclusively at recycling hard-to-recycle beauty, health, and wellness product packaging for example, products that are too small (such as travel minis), made of composite materials (eyeshadow palettes, lipsticks, floss dispensers), or unrecyclable materials (toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes) and blister packs which cannot typically be recycled through household kerbside collections.
We do not accept widely recyclable card and paper packaging, glass jars, aluminium packaging, shampoo and conditioner bottles, shower gel plastic bottles etc. because they can be recycled via household waste recycling channels, please check your local council for details on how to recycle these items.
The Scheme rewards Boots Advantage Card members with Advantage Card points when they spend £10 or more for recycling a minimum number of qualifying Items.
How does the Scheme work?
To participate in the scheme, you will need to sign up for a Boots Scan2Recycle account
Once the account is created, follow these steps:
Upload images of eligible Recyclables into your account - for a full list of eligible recyclables see the accounts page – ‘Recyclable Types’.
Go to 'Recyclables'
Select 'Add Recyclables' and take a picture of the product (pictures must be of the whole product with the brand and product name shown - do not upload pictures of the barcode)
Use the drop-down select to label your items with the brand, product, and packaging type
Images are reviewed and verified within 24 hours Monday - Friday, excluding UK public holidays.
Once these are verified you will see them in your approved section in 'Recyclables', they are ready to deposit.
To deposit the items:
Step 1 - Visit a participating store
Step 2 - Scan the QR code on the applicable scheme recycling points in a participating store
Step 3 - Select at least 5 items to deposit in one go
Step 4 - Confirm the deposit by selecting deposit on the screen
Step 5 - Deposit items
The deposit will be verified, and if successful you will receive the reward voucher in your account.
If you don't see the reward voucher immediately, try refreshing the page and check the 'deposits' section in your account.
If the deposit wasn't approved, check your email including junk/spam folders for an email from us, stating why.
What happens to the products that are recycled?
All packaging that is deposited goes to our recycling partner, MYgroup, who are based in the UK to be recycled, reused, or reformed into new products.
Materials received are made into other products, such as street furniture or shop fittings. They also go into material called 'MYboard'. Originally designed as a replacement for wooden plyboards to help reduce the demand and overuse of forestry products, this versatile material is now used in a huge array of products by many joiners, shop fitters, building merchants, and general home use.
MYgroup offers full traceability - a key element in protecting our seas and environment from plastic waste. We guarantee that nothing will end up in landfill or incineration.
The Story so far
Since the launch of Recycle at Boots back in 2020, the scheme has recovered over 145 tonnes of hard-to-recycle plastic, that’s more plastic than a house, or 30 Elephants, and issued over 520 thousand rewards to its users.
We have saved 2.9 million products from landfill and incineration. Our technology provides full traceability and reporting of items received, meaning every item is accounted for from the moment of deposit to re-manufacture.
Get recycling today and get rewarded for your efforts!
2025 Metrisk Ltd

What's New in Version 3.20.0

- bug fixes
- stability improvements

Seller

Name

Metrisk Limited

URL

Information

Developer

Categories

Version

3.20.0

Size

57.5 MB

Game Center

No

VPP Device Licensing

Yes

Rating

Rated: 4+

Compatibility

iOS 15.1 or later

Devices

iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone SE, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, iPhone SE (2nd generation), iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro, iPhone 12 Pro Max, iPhone 12 mini, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 13 mini, iPhone SE (3rd generation), iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 14 Pro Max, iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max, iPhone 16e, iPad (5th Generation) Wi-Fi, iPad (5th Generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi, iPad (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro, iPad Pro (Cellular), iPad Pro (9.7-inch), iPad Pro (9.7-inch) (Cellular), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (2nd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (10.5-inch), iPad Pro (10.5-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro (11-inch), iPad Pro (11-inch) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air, iPad Air (Cellular), iPad Air 2, iPad Air 2 (Cellular), iPad Air (3rd generation), iPad Air (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini Retina, iPad mini Retina (Cellular), iPad mini 3, iPad mini 3 (Cellular), iPad mini 4, iPad mini 4 (Cellular), iPad mini (5th Generation), iPad mini (5th Generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad (7th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (2nd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air (4th Generation) (Wi-Fi), iPad Air (4th Generation) (Wi-Fi + Cellular), iPad (8th generation) Wi-Fi, iPad (8th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (3rd generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (5th Generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad (9th Generation), iPad (9th Generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini (6th Generation), iPad mini (6th Generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air (5th generation), iPad Air (5th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation), iPad Pro 11-inch (4th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation), iPad Pro 12.9-inch (6th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad (10th generation), iPad (10th generation) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air 11-inch (M2) Wi-Fi, iPad Air 13-inch (M2) Wi-Fi, iPad Air 13-inch (M2) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) Wi-Fi, iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) Wi-Fi, iPad Pro 13-inch (M4) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad mini (A17 Pro) Wi-Fi, iPad mini (A17 Pro) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad (A16) Wi-Fi, iPad (A16) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air 11-inch (M3) Wi-Fi, iPad Air 11-inch (M3) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPad Air 13-inch (M3) Wi-Fi, iPad Air 13-inch (M3) Wi-Fi + Cellular, iPod touch (6th Generation), iPod touch (7th generation)

Languages

English

App Store: Customer Ratings

Ratings & Reviews

2.4 of 5 (25 Ratings)

App Store: Customer Reviews

2025-05-30

don’t bother.

Honestly, I didn’t read all the text. You can’t say I’m the only one who doesn’t read everything before diving in. I saw in bold 5 items =500points=£5 worth. I’d previously seen videos/ other people discussing the scheme, they failed to mention that you had to spend £10 to get the £5 worth of points. While this is still a good scheme and still a good offer, it’s far too complicated. I don’t want to spend £10 every time I want another 5. It’s ridiculous, I will read the whole text in future despite the fact I did think I had read a lot about it but apparently I missed the most important part, in the end you don’t make that many point off of recycling and I suppose you should do it for the good of the planet. However, the thing that tipped me over the edge was when I looked at my voucher and (again didn’t read the whole thing…) accidentally activated it. I was then told I had 30 minutes to spend my £10 to get my further £5, while at home cooking tea. Honestly, I know I should have read all the warnings but you can’t expect everyone to read everything, as most people (like me) don’t. I just think it’s all a bit complicated and another way to trick you into spending more money at boots. £5 isn’t a big loss to boots as you can’t get much for £5 in boots anyway and will probably have to spend some of your own money. So, in all, don’t bother. It’s not worth the time or the hassle, just chuck the stuff in the recycling bin or one of the many other ways to recycle things that don’t require you to spend your own money.
tiptoptoocool
Version 3.20.0
2025-05-28

Regularly crashes

Pretty poor show from Boots. Constantly asks me to sign in and then promptly crashes again. Each upgrade seems to add further problems.
TJC1961
Version 3.20.0
2025-05-17

Can’t upload anything

Since the latest update it won’t allow me to even take a photograph of the product I need to recycle. I had no issues with it before and it’s a great idea. But now I can no longer use this app
amyrosa24
Version 3.20.0
2025-05-15

Will not let me log in

I can log in on Boots website. I am logged in on Boots app yet using identical details I cannot log in on the Recycle at Boots app. Deleted it. There are other ways to recycle and other stores to shop in.
Www.Holly123
Version 3.20.0
2025-05-14

Flawed

Amazing when it works. However, requires WiFi in the shop often I have no signal and my phone refuses to connect to boots free WiFi hence checking into the recycling point doesn’t work and I have had to leave with a bag full of empties. A lot of commonly sold brands in boots aren’t listed e.g bubble skincare and even when selecting the “unknown” or “not listed” category items have been rejected for having the brand incorrectly selected so these categories serve little to no function.
Would be amazing if the app was faster, didn’t require WiFi and the options where you have an unlisted brand genuinely got accepted.
HumanBeanOfficial
Version 3.20.0
2025-05-12

Invalid advantage card number

I have a valid advantage card being linked to my boots account. However when I added the number to the recycle app, it says it’s invalid. I can’t even registered.
ooooooooon
Version 3.20.0
2025-05-12

A great idea, horribly executed

Really love the concept, but not in any way fit for purpose. The process of registering the items is laborious (I simply gave up the first time I tried using it), but even when I persevered and added a few items, the process of waiting for the voucher and then activating it is so slow as to be unusable.
Eugene Burrrr
Version 3.20.0
2025-05-10

I cannot deposit

I cannot make the deposit, it constantly asks me to log in as it’s trying to find my location.
amaz2399
Version 3.20.0
2025-05-07

Any chance of AI integration

Great app, would be even better if it remembered your most popular /recent brands or even recognised them when you take the photo
OMB43
Version 3.20.0
2025-05-02

Good concept for recycling

I have used this app for some time now and have been a customer of Boots Advantage Card for even longer. I have earned quite a lot of points by using this service.
However since the last update I can not select a category after taking a picture, pictures are not loading up in my approved section, and there is no way to report issues with the app. FAQ and privacy details are also not loading. The last update has made the app worse.
Mark_B42
Version 3.20.0
2025-04-27

I can’t select Category

The updated one looks better but I can’t find any options in category. Please fix this issue.
lotte22
Version 3.19.0
2025-04-24

Helped me recycle

Helps me recycle beauty and skincare products
Milipops22
Version 3.19.0
2025-04-23

Utterly unworkable

My partner and I generate 3 or 4 empty blister packs a week between us. We live miles away from a Boots store, which means we go there once a month at most. Having to photograph 20 or more packs individually before we can deposit them is ridiculous.
44PMR
Version 3.19.0
2025-04-19

Too complicated

My first time using and a member of staff helped me deposit approximately 20 blister packs, this was 3 weeks ago and according to this app I’ve not deposited anything! Will not be using again until it’s simplified.
sukee067
Version 2.7.7
2025-04-17

Cannot be serious…

I liked the concept of this but the amount of hoops you need to jump through when all you wanted to do was simply recycle some blister packs, download an app, register for an advantage card to use said app, take photos of each individual packet (won’t accept blister packs that aren’t on their drop down list of brands) then have to wait days for them to be approved, then apparently I’ve heard you only have 3 days to use any reward you may get? Honestly I don’t even care about the rewards I just heard about their recycle scheme and wanted to use it but it’s so unnecessarily tedious it’s laughable, I’ve just looked up & Superdrug run a similar scheme that you can just take your blister packs to no fuss with apps so I’ll just take my empty blister packets there
Ak93..
Version 2.7.7
2025-04-09

Better than the previous version!

There are some issues getting the location check to work when depositing - in London it works great but in the countryside locations I usually use, it can take minutes for it to work, and sometimes I need to leave the shop to get a bit of signal. (And wifi in the shop is pretty hopeless)
It’s also annoying that sometimes items which logically should be accepted get denied (and an attempt to add them again is successful!)
Other than that, it’s a fantastic initiative, love the point rewards!
FormalAcrobat
Version 2.7.7
2025-04-08

Fantastic concept but app needs attention

This is a really great concept, but after standing at the deposit bins for 25 minutes installing and registering on the app only for it not to accept ANYTHING I tried to upload. Staff member attempted to help and we both gave up in the end. Deleted the app.
brs257
Version 2.7.7
2025-04-03

I love it

I just got £5 added to my Advantage Card in exchange for 5 empty packages that would’ve ended up in the bin instead. I’m in disbelief that some people give this incentive 1 star because they think it’s too much “hassle” to take 5 pictures. I have to admit it took me about 10 mins to understand how the app works. The Boots staff were useless though. They had no interest in helping. Once I understood the process, it took me 2 mins to take the photos, scan the QR code and put the packages in the bin. It’s a 2-minute-chore for £5. Easy money. Not to mention, it’s also a great incentive. I hope they actually get recycled properly.
Toctoc123
Version 2.7.7
2025-04-02

A right faff!

I’ve lots of empty blister packs to recycle but there’s no option once you’ve photographed them (that I can find anyway) to input them. Once I’d registered them as something they weren’t as that was the only way to progress, I got a notification saying they would be approved in 24 hrs! What a pain. I gave up and just chucked them all in the recycle bin in the shop. No amount of points is worth the pain of this app!
kfhekvjdek
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-26

How hard can they make it?

I really like the idea of this but they make it so difficult to register items to be recycled you really want to give up and not bother! Seriously can you make it any slower to get approved to recycle something?
jamie p
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-25

Too complicated

Whilst I fully support the initiative to encourage recycling, this app is far far too complicated. Most people will deposit their items at the recycle point without bothering with this faff.
mx123_
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-25

Great idea, poorly executed!

I really want to recycle and this is a great idea. But, for blister packs (of which my household has many each month) the whole ‘take photo of items on white background’, splitting them by ‘prescription’ or not, pruning into groups of 5 items (each group of 5 items worth points) and individually photographing each group of 5, etc etc etc. Why can’t I simply photograph a pile of blister packs, put in the number of them all together, and then deposit them? After all, the groups I’ve photographed are all mixed together again when they’re deposited, so why have to split and pic them at all?? Very frustrating! A great idea, not thought through and very badly implemented.
Biggus Clark
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-24

Beware of small print

You can only get 1 reward a day. I have to drive 25 minutes (not either of my local options where I shop)to drop off the recycling and deposited 16 items but only get 1 reward. This is not clear on either the app or the recycling box. A shame as I then need to go more often and so waste fuel etc..A good scheme but harder in the countryside.
1k11
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-24

Just Don’t.

The idea of the app has so much potential, however it’s far from straightforward when it comes to being used. Unfortunately, the items I shared still haven’t been viewed and it’s been nearly three days, when the app mentions 24 hours. I don’t have the patience to keep recycling in my house waiting on the app while constantly checking it, when I could simply place my empties in the bin. Also I couldn’t find information of my local store; whether they accept recycling and whether I can use the voucher/ points there. I love Boots, but the execution of the app is far from even satisfactory. Let’s hope it works smoothly one day! For now I give up 🙊
annataylor12
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-23

Poor design

The idea is great but the implementation is awful.
When you open it for the first time you need a manual how to use it. The flows and UI elements don’t let you complete the task without suffering. From the CX perspective it is not supported at all.
Map doesn’t work properly, simply doesn’t show the locations, filters don’t work.
I don’t know what to fix really as it should be simply redesigned from scratch.
yugenee.u
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-21

Cannot register Blister Packs

I have spent the last half hour trying to register a blister pack, the brand was not recognized and then there does not appear to be a category for blister packs.
hjstort
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-21

Not usable

Always had issues on the browser version, where my location couldn’t be recognised because there was no signal in store and boots WiFi is so poor that it would just be stuck on a loading screen. When trying to scan the QR code, it comes up blurry or doesn’t catch the QR code so can’t be scanned. If I did manage to scan the barcode, I would have go out of the shop until my 4G reconnects and only then would it find my location, load and issue the voucher. Now the app is launched, the browser version can’t be accessed at all anymore. The app is absolutely useless. Couldn’t switch between the tabs at the bottom and when trying to deposit, same issues as browser version - blurry camera so couldn’t scan, no internet connection and poor boots WiFi so couldn’t find location and it was stuck on the camera screen with an error message. Now the entire scheme is pointless as nothing works - I had to leave the store without purchasing anything
Also had items rejected even though they are valid? An interspace toothbrush is still a toothbrush.
Illw
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-19

Useless

Absolutely useless app it takes days and days to approve pending products by which time they’ve been dumped in my general waste. Aldo having to spend £10 in store to get the £5 boots card points is ridiculous
Smith517
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-18

Items stuck on pending for days

Whilst the theory is good, the app itself is so clunky and slow. When you finally upload an item it is supposed to be approved or declined within one working day but that’s far from the case. My experience has been days on end waiting. Really annoying if you want to just get on and take them to boots. As for whether the bin is ever emptied at boots and you can fit your items in is another matter….
Annaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-17

Way too much faff!

What a prohibitive process to trawl through. Why make it so difficult just to do the right thing? Photo every empty blister pack…?!
Why is it not possible to just get points per pack or item? Why make it so difficult by demanding payment for new items. This scheme could and should be brilliant - instead it just creates apathy and negativity.
harmonliz
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-14

Unnecessarily tedious

I came across this scheme when my local vet stopped taking non-animal related blister packs, and I didn't want to put them in the general rubbish. However, instead of just taking them and handing them in, as I could at my Vets and other recycling schemes, e.g. at Superdrug pharmacies, with Boots, you have to photograph every single blister pack up to a maximum of 15, submit them and wait for them to be approved.
You then take them to your nearest Boots pharmacy, where you have to scan the QR code on the recycling box. In my case I could go no further because there was no 'phone signal and, it seems, Boots wifi was not working. After trying several times, and having better things to do with my life than (!) I gave up and just put them in the box, whereupon I was verbally accosted by a member of staff, and subjected to the full inquisition - had I used the app? Had I had them approved? Had I scanned the QR code? Etc. etc.
Asked why I had to go through this rigmarole, I was told it was to ensure I hadn't left any pills in the packs. When I then asked how they would know I am depositing the same packs as the ones photoed, I was told it was a matter of trust!!!
So, having deposited the packs, and couldn't caring less about any voucher, I left the store, with the packs still showing as unrecycled on the app!
Unwilling to go through this fiasco both at home and in the store every time I have 15 packs, and not being bothered about getting a voucher, sadly my blister packs will have to go into the general rubbish now.
An appalling scheme. An appalling attitude.
Me, too, as well
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-14

Terrible App

Awfully made, can’t even register. Useless.
gwillyb93
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-07

Clunky app that is very slow to use

Great idea and initiative from Boots, however the execution through the app is terrible.
The app is slow, takes ages between each step, is missing several common brands, many products (shampoo!!), and the approvals are variable (had the same product tube rejected and accepted in a batch. You then need to wait for the voucher and find a manned till to pay.
With how awkward they have made it you’d think they don’t actually want you to use the app…. greenwash?
Sarahthemonkey
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-05

Great idea, rubbish app Boots

I thought this would be a great way to recycle blister packs for medication. Wrong. I had to give access to my camera to take photos of any items I wanted to recycle, then fail to find the name of the manufacturing company listed, before failing to find the correct category listed. I’m going back to putting them in the rubbish.
Kaybrough
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-05

No instructions anywhere

The store locator is incorrect. Nowhere does it say that you need to deposit at least 5 items to get the voucher. Nowhere does it say how to get the voucher. Nowhere does it warn that once you deposit you then have only two days to use the voucher. Nowhere does it say that the voucher only works in boots locations that have the recycle scheme. I have tried on four separate occasions to get this reward and it never works, not worth the effort.
Jiggy10101
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-04

Disappointing

I’m all for recycling but…
1) this app was slow and laborious to use (I persevered as it’s a worthy cause)
2) I then delivered my blister packs to the store (but not the electric toothbrush heads I had, as my local store apparently doesn’t take them), only to discover I had just 3 days to use my “reward” and I needed to spend £5 for the privilege.
Not impressed.
Bud Leah
Version 2.7.7
2025-03-02

Rejecting eligible items consistently

The app is constantly rejecting items that have previously been accepted as eligible. I then email and sometimes the items are then accepted and sometimes my email is ignored. Perhaps don’t set up an app/sevice that you don’t have the capacity/staff/ability to deliver.
emu-36
Version 2.7.7
2025-02-28

No guidance on blister packs

This is a good idea, however I’ve been unable to find out how to log blister packs for recycling on the app. There was only one scheme option for recycling and the items have been rejected for wrong scheme. Ultimately, this isn’t worth the hassle. It needs to be clearer and simpler to do.
teej133
Version 2.7.7
2025-02-26

Not worth the time restrictions!

Time consuming and not user friendly, as a disabled couple we have quite a few blister packs, which the app allows you to recycle, great so far! But to time limit the voucher to 30 minutes from opening within 3Days of depositing your recycling, then the added requirement of spending £5, the only Advantage is for Boots sales not my personal Advantage Card. Sorry Boots you need to try harder!
ChrisN66
Version 2.7.7
2025-02-26

Great idea - poor execution

I want to be able to recycle blister packs to avoid them going into landfill. I don’t want points. I think lots of people feel similarly. Why have Boots come up with such an over-engineered process involving so many steps? Very disappointing
Yorkshire Recycler
Version 2.7.7
2025-02-23

No response

Don’t understand what’s happening because it says that items get approved or rejected within 24 hours, but I’ve been waiting for almost a WEEK. It only approved couple of items and the rest are still pending
M94_7
Version 2.7.7
2025-02-23

Pointless (no pun intended)

This app is quite possibly the most frustrating and uninspiring way to recycle those hard to recycle items.
Firstly, uploading the pictures is a pain in the *** and requires so much specific information. When I went to deposit the items, the app crashed, logged me out, and I had to press very quickly on the items and submit it otherwise the camera to scan the QR code would keep popping up.
Not that I do this for the points, really I just want to recycle these things that I wouldn’t be able to otherwise, but you have to desposit at least 5 items for a reward. This would be okay, if I could click on 5 items before the app would crash.
Don’t bother with the app, just take the blister packs and old makeup to the boxes and recycle them (or at Superdrug ….). It’s not worth the hassle!
WhyDoIHaveToPutANickna
Version 2.7.7
2025-02-22

Great scheme, great app

Not sure why this app is rated so low but I think this scheme and this app is great! I still think I should be switching to low waste and easily recyclable tubs of toothpaste but for those things, especially skincare, for my sensitive skin, some only come in tube form, so I'm glad this exists! Also I'm so happy this recycles blister packs and interdental sticks - always makes me feel very guilty when throwing them out.
KKTT01
Version 2.7.7
2025-02-21

Blister packs not included

Trying to submit blister packs through the app. Never have the pharma company brand listed but that’s fine as can input custom. Then I get to the category section but blister packs aren’t listed. Neither are medication/medicines/tablets etc. how are we supposed to upload blister packs if they’re not included in the category?!
Phoenix_9179
Version 2.7.7
2025-02-19

Great concept. Needs image recognition or barcode scanner

Absolutely love this initiative and it’s a fabulous concept, let down by the fact that you actually have to manually input the brand and the product even though you’ve already taken a photograph. It would be my recommendation to have a visual database which would be indexed and searched by Ai. Or barcode scanner??
Too much effort to input the data and use when you have a large family and a high volume of empties to enter all info.
Tinkerlad
Version 2.7.7
2025-02-18

Good idea but the pending time is so long!

Apparently Boots is not recycling the packaging but at least I can save some money with points. It says that the approval takes up to 48h but now I’m waiting 4 days and my item is still not approved and is pending. Very frustrating.
Kucka04
Version 2.7.7
2025-02-17

Location services not available in the iPhone app.

I would love to be able to use this service for recycling bister packs but am not able to as I need to be able to turn on location services. The app does not give me this option so can’t use the service.
Anon2323
Version 2.7.7
2025-02-15

Fantastic idea once you know how to make it work for you

This app is great! I used to throw some items in the bin as i couldn’t recycle them. However, now I utilise this app in a way that works for me to ensure I get some money back on what I’d normally buy. I’ve used the drop off scheme 4 times now and have £20 in points on my boots card so far. It’s great if you plan your shops and only buy what you need, rather than things for the sake of it. I’m extremely impressed!
NemBemBoo
Version 2.7.7
2025-02-11

Great for health and beauty but I have no option to recycle blister packs.

Once I got used to it, it was easy to use but it took a while to understand it. I annoyingly don’t have the blister drop down to be able to recycle blister packs and can see my app is up to date. When is this coming?
LauraLilac1
Version 2.7.7
2025-02-01

More hassle than it’s worth

Tried it a few times and deposits get rejected and they say it’s because I’m not in a store.
If I’m not in the store then how am I scanning the QR code?
Flyer-Adam
Version 2.7.7
2024-12-23

Brilliant app!

I totally disagree with the 1star review and think this whole initiative is fantastic. Getting spendable points for products I’d otherwise be throwing in landfill, using an app that I can think is straightforward to use. Once you’ve figured out doing the first deposit they’re simple, as long as you make a point of getting your voucher when you’re ready to spend £10 and then claim your points. I don’t understand the negativity. I’m so glad I’ve discovered the app and gained the points!
EDIETRIM
Version 2.7.5
2024-12-16

Voucher list extremely restricted

So today I discovered another extremely annoying thing about this app. On Saturday I recycled five items in my nearest participating store which is 15 miles away from where I live. I got my voucher through which needs to be used within three calendar days. So this morning I went to my local Boots store and activated the voucher, which has to be used within 30 mins (why this is I do not understand). I then discovered that my voucher was not valid in my local store, only in stores where you can actually deposit recyclables. I can see this is in the T&Cs small print but there is so much small print attached to this overly complex scheme that it’s very easy to miss. And because I activated my voucher in store today it is now invalid so I cannot use it in the large participating store 15 miles away. I have never encountered so many unnecessary barriers in what should be a simple and straightforward way to encourage recycling and reward customers for taking part. This app and this scheme are not user friendly in any way and I’ve been completely put off using it in future. A greenwashing initiative from Boots.
charlesworthgirl
Version 2.7.5
2024-11-13

Easy once you know

Having deposited over 100 items and with 60 more in my approved list, my advantage points are stacking up!
We go through so many packets of wipes, nappy packs and formula a month and it’s so much plastic and waste so it feels good not to just throw it in the bin.
It gets me out of the house whilst on maternity leave and I only buy stuff I need, but I’m saving my extra points for the next stage car seat so win win!
The items are approved regularly and I’ve never had issues with getting any approved.
I regularly upload the same items and it does take time to input them when I have a few different ones, maybe a frequently used list at the top would be beneficial to make the process easier for users?
Emzoe9
Version 2.7.5
2024-11-01

Useless app

This is a useless App. Far too complicated. Shop staff either don’t know how to use it , or if they do, say they’ve abandoned using it themselves because there are too many glitches. The app could not locate the Ealing W5 branch, either inside the branch or just outside where I was told the internet connection might work better!!! I had several items to recycle, 5 of which had already been photographed & accepted, but could get no further with the app & gave up after over an hour of trying. I try to recycle as many items as I can, but your app is just a waste of precious time. Please update it. Please simplify it or failing that, please abandon it!
Xyz987abcw
Version 2.7.5
2024-10-20

Not worth it- profit scheme for Boots

The idea was really great, but when I started trying to recycle, I realised this is a faff and just a way for Boots to make more money.
The app is long-winded (scanning and detailing each individual item, plus waiting for approval). When items are accepted and you deposit in store, you only get 3 days to use the voucher and have to spend £10!!
The only way this scheme will be worth using is:
1) remove the minimum spend in store to get the voucher. Just make the vouchers boots points to be added to your card, which is linked to the recycling app.
2) remove the 3 day limit to use the voucher. If Boots want to encourage environmentally conscious consumerism, then I don’t appreciate the time-pressured incentive.
I’ve stopped using this scheme and deleted the app, shame because I wanted to take part.
Beccaboo00
Version 2.7.5
2024-09-15

Money for nothing

I’ve used this scheme for 18 months and the app has made made it much easier, glad the teething problems have been sorted out. It’s complicated until you get used to it. I scan them as I empty them, put 5 in the car for when I’m passing Boots. Deposit instore, spend £10, scan voucher get 500 extra points. Wish it was available in all stores and that the tablet blister packs could be recycled in more stores too. It’s well worth persevering I’ve got over £130 in points towards Christmas! The app works well, you can’t blame that for not liking the conditions of the scheme!
Mags6996
Version 2.6.7
2024-08-28

Great app

Great app, love the idea of being able to recycle and get rewards for it. I am only given 4 stars, for 2 reasons.
First reason is when you make a deposit and get your reward, you MUST use it within 3 days of your deposit, if not you lose it. I think we should be given more time as someone may not need to buy anything at that point in time and to me it’s forcing people to buy. I say give the people at lease 3 months, then if they don’t use it, lose it.
2nd reason is blister packs. This is not yet a UK wide yet and for someone who is on life long medication, it’s a good idea for blister packs, I need this to be UK wide asap, so I can also deposit my blister packs.
Jamboslilangel
2024-08-01

Good app but staff need to be informed

So the app is a brilliant idea but when asking staff to help none of them had a clue what it was. Unfortunately this did lead to me not being able to recycle my blisters packs from tablets and get rewards for them as no one knew where/ what that was. I was able to figure out the other recyclables and let staff know what it was but still surprised that there had been no training
Loony-Laura
2024-08-01

Don’t bother downloading - waste of time

As most of the other reviewers also found, Boots have made their recycling scheme unnecessarily complicated and does not encourage recycling. With a separate app, needing to deposit 5 items and have these approved in advance, and then the voucher itself is getting points for spending more money at boots, which you can only use 30 minutes after activate. You don’t know what the voucher is, so naturally you activate the voucher to see what the voucher is for, and then you are told you are given 30 minutes to spend it.
Amabal32
2024-07-29

A huge improvement on the website

I was having issues with the app focussing. Since that update I have no issues. I’ve used this scheme for years. The website was awkward, this app is a big improvement. The scheme takes a bit to get used to. But its easy to use, just takes a bit of organisation.
Too slow app
2024-07-27

Unnecessarily complicated!

In theory this recycling scheme makes sense. In practice it puts so much friction in the way, you might as well not bother. My first time trying to use the scheme & I’m amazed by how many steps it takes. The recycling point in store was so hard to find. I took my empty tubs to the store thinking I could recycle them there and then, and spend the voucher. Little did I realise the tubs have to be verified in advanced, which only happens Monday to Friday. You need to wait for them to verified then wait for a voucher! A store assistant tried to explain how it works and apologized saying they haven’t had training on it. I have submitted my photos now & will be waiting to see if they are accepted. For such a major retailer this recycling scheme is unnecessarily complicated. Boots you need to do better!
Miz_P2k
2024-06-21

Great!

This is a great idea and I’ve had no issues with the app. I’ve done several deposits now and it’s worked every time. Some items aren’t accepted, but the majority are so I’m pleased to be overall sending less items to landfill. I have also saved a lot of money by using the vouchers. I didn’t used to shop in Boots much because of the higher costs but I am now there more regularly because of this recycling programme.
cmhowat
2024-06-05

Concept is cool but the app is terrible

The app makes me think that they actually would like us not to recycle as it’s not intuitive, nor useful.
My cream got rejected because I miss tagged it, but no explanation at all on how it should be tagged.
The creators could, if they actually wanted to make it useful, make small changes that would improve it greatly: add notification when approval is processed, add a list of products that they always accept (no more tagging for those? Would be amazing) and possibly add more guidance on what they don’t accept (I noticed travel sizes get always rejected).
As a fellow product manager, I know it’s costly to run updates, but these are really not hard to achieve and would also save time of their internal approving team making everyone happy.
Angie272668
2024-05-21

Great app and scheme

After a few initial problems with the app, I’m now really enjoying being part of this scheme - it’s great to recycle and also benefit from it at the same time. I only gave one star in my previous review due to the problems I was experiencing at the time, but now all resolved. I think it’s great!
SundayGirl1965
2024-05-01

Boots recycle

If people write reviews and ask you questions why the boxes are at the back of the store, then someone needs to answer it and why is it that the staff don’t know that this is the promotion going on? why do you only get 2 1/half hours. ? Why do you only get three days, ? surely if you’re trying to make something work you gotta make it work properly and you gotta read what people write !?? hence reviews need to have answers the app is not gonna work if you’re not gonna answer it’s ridiculous
Jackson/Sunny Girl
2024-04-29

Hopelessly complex and buggy

Spent ages working through the many steps, struggling with apparent bugs, finally got to the store and followed the final set of instructions to choose my approved items and put them in the bin. I got a message saying thanks for the deposit. And an email saying thanks for depositing your items but you didn’t deposit them “in store” so can’t get the promised reward. What? Where else did I deposit them then? And you can’t remove your items from the bin (which according to the email I hadn’t put them in anyway!). So bad it almost feels deliberate.
ClareMP
2024-04-23

Camera could be better!

Having used the Boots recycling scheme a while now,
(which is a great idea!)
I switched to the app, which on the whole is very user friendly, but it takes a while for the camera to bring the item into focus, a problem I didn’t have using the website.
Help stop landfill!
2024-04-22

Excellent way to gain points whilst recycling

Once you get the hang of how to use the app it’s quick and easy. Points soon build up. Would like to see more recycling centres (Hoddesdon would be great for me as it’s much closer than the nearest available one). A simpler and easier way would be if more deposits could be made in one visit and then used as and when needed, rather than only five deposits in one visit and points gained only if a £10 purchase is made within 48 hours. I guess the way it’s done now is to ensure you “shop” more often.
Young@heart!
2024-04-22

Good but room for improvement

So far I’ve been able to use the recycling app without much issue and have deposited the items successfully. However I think the item rejection/approval could be improved.
I can understand if an item is rejected because it doesn’t meet T’s & C’s, but when an item is rejected with ‘incorrect product tagging’ - why can’t the app suggest what the correction could be? There’s no way to ‘edit’ an entry, you have to delete the item, re-photograph it, and then keep guessing what the correct product labelling is according to the app.
It’s very time consuming. Sometimes items like hair products and skincare products can claim to be several things at once which can be hard to classify with such narrow options.
RebeccaHopkinson
2024-04-20

Boots App

I have been using this app for ages and I am amazed how many of your own staff know nothing about it. The actual apps for scanning are placed in the hardest place on the boxes and hard to scan. Boxes are placed usually in the back of stores in a corner. With the new app I cannot understand, why you only get 30 minutes from opening your voucher to actually using it, at first I opened one of mine at home to check I had it on my phone ready to use in Boots only to find it would be timed out when I actually got to Boots. Also why do items you scan at the weekend take so long to update? The actual concept of the app is a good idea and it is great that so many items are saved from landfill, but the actual process is a a faff, from dropping them off in a store then having to return in only 2 days ( and 30 minutes ) to be able to use the voucher. Also I tried to use my voucher in Liverpool Airport but they cannot be used there, wondered why this is as it is still a Boots store?
Ryan’s Daughter
2024-04-20

Easy app to recycle and earn Boots points

Great app - much easier than the web based version that preceded it.
Straightforward to use with one exception: some of the collection points in stores have QR codes that are hard to read because the labels are worn.
Other than that it’s great - recycling so many hard to recycle products, generous amounts of points (500 for 5 items), and easy to use.
I bought a heated throw with my points from recycling: very toasty!
ClubMed Customer
2024-04-19

Boots Recycle

I’m really motivated to recycle but I have given up trying to do this at Boots. Using the app takes way too much time in entering product info and a photo for each item and then when you go to the store to deposit your items they will only accept 5 at a time.
John Lewis does this much better by not requiring customers to use an app. You can just take your 5 beauty items from any brand to a till in the store and they give you £5 off a purchase then and there. If Boots truly wants customers to bring in their recycling they need to make the process a lot easier.
Vghyiuorfzcbkev
Version 2.3.0
2024-04-19

Great app; earn yourself some bonus advantage points whilst doing your bit for the environment

I absolutely love this app. Earn yourself bonus advantage points whilst doing something good for the environment.
I have been using the boots recycling scheme since January 2023 and in that time have recycled 23 times. That has earned me £115 in free bonus points just by recycling on top of what I would earn in points normally. To me it's a no brainer really.
At first I found using the app can be slow if you're on your phones 3G but boots stores have free wifi so use that as it's free and the app loads quicker.
I always upload empty recyclable products in bulk onto the app so I have them there ready for when I visit boots; I visit boots monthly so always recycle the minimum of 5 empty items every time I visit so to get the free 500 points equivalent to £5!!
I mean why wouldn't you do this if you are a regular visitor to Boots.
Ju31978
Version 2.3.0
2024-04-19

Good idea, poor outcome

Pros Encouraging plastic recycling is a good idea.
Cons
The camera doesn’t focus well…I’ve had a couple of rejections because of unclear photograph.
Why do I need to download a separate voucher, when my AdCard is registered to the App? Why doesn’t it seamlessly transfer rewards across? I lost my first recycling reward because I didn’t know that I needed to look for a separate barcode for the cashier to scan…
Why do I have such a short time to redeem my rewards barcode? Three days isn’t long enough. And, once activated, 30 mins is far too short a time.
It is a very time consuming app to actually use…I recon it takes a couple of minutes to upload all the details of the item to be recycled and them there is a time delay while these are accepted or rejected.
I’d like to be able to recycle the very small sample tubes.
I will probably keep on using it, because I want to be a responsible recycler. But the whole thing could be so much better.
St Everild
Version 2.3.0
2024-04-19

Good idea but

Thought the app would be easier but as others have said there was an issue with the camera focusing to photograph items, that seems to be sorted now. The main issue is trying to take the picture of the barcode in stores. They are mostly worn away and don’t scan easily, so it either takes ages or you just give up. It would also be great if you had longer to use the points voucher as you may want to get rid of your recycling but not be ready to spend £10 within the few days. Great idea if some improvements could be made.
Clernic
Version 2.3.0
2024-04-19

Easy to use

The app itself it’s my easier to use than the website. I’ve got no issue with the app itself, some of the processes that they have on the backend are weird. E.g when you can’t upload two or more of the same item; god forbid you use more than one deodorant 😅 Some UAT needs to be done, like when you’re clicking the brand to select, you should widen that to more than the just the check box. There are some extra clicks that don’t need to happen. but I can’t knock the app too much.
Pinball heart
Version 2.3.0
2024-04-09

Rejected Approved Items when Depositing in Store

I had no problems before using the service until I downloaded the app. When I reached out to staff in store for help they were not interested, said they didn’t know how to use it and there was no one else who could help. I rang customer services from in store who manually added the points after confirming with a member of store staff I had deposited the items. I have now uploaded another five items for approval and will try again in a different store, hopefully with more success. Very time consuming and frustrating that store staff have no training and therefore refuse to engage with the customer. This is a good service in principle, but taking into account other reviews as well, it seems to be problematic using the app.
Sandi storm
Version 2.2.0
2024-03-31

Why Make Us Spend So Much

You want us to recycle and make it sound great by saying well give you advantage points (can’t see anywhere how many), but oh only if you spend £10 😂
I take about 20 prescribed tablets a day so get through a lot of blister packs and am happy to finally recycle them, but when you say you’ll reward me for it, it would be great if you actually did it without a catch!
Even just 5points or 1point if want to be that stingy, but its still something per blister pack would be a better incentive to actually be bothered to take all the pictures wait for them to be approved and find a boots that actually accepts them, than making us spend £10 as well each time!
I have plenty to be recycling, but don’t think I’ll be bothering as I’ll definitely not be spending £10 on every visit, I sadly cannot afford it. I have to take lots of medication because of poor health so cannot work so do not have an income.
In conclusion great idea, but you’ve made too complicated and only doing for your own profit shame.
AlwaysMe76
Version 1.1