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How to recycle bubble wrap

Clean flexible plastic bubble wrap used to protect parcels and household goods.

Other names include packing bubbles, plastic parcel wrap, protective plastic wrap.

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    Collection and take-back services

    Use these services if no nearby place lists bubble wrap.

    Recycle NowUK recycling guidance with an item directory and a postcode-based recycling locator.Recycle Now recycling locatorUK recycling guidance with an item directory and a postcode-based recycling locator.

    How to recycle bubble wrap

    Reuse bubble wrap for storage or parcels when it is still sound. Some shop soft plastic points accept it, but you must check the label.

    Possible recycling routes
    Specialist recycling schemesSoft plastic recycling pointsSoft plastic collection pointsSpecialist disposal servicesHousehold hazardous waste services

    Prepare bubble wrap for recycling

    • Remove tape and paper labels
    • Keep it clean and dry
    • Deflate only if the collection point asks

    What must stay out

    Keep these items separate and check the site rules before you travel.

    • Household recycling bins often exclude flexible plastic
    • Foam packaging is a different material
    • Shop schemes have different accepted lists

    Types of site to check

    These site types can list bubble wrap. Each provider sets its own limits and access rules.

    • Specialist recycling schemes

      Collection services for items that most household recycling bins cannot accept. Schemes can use shops, postal returns or limited public drop-off points.

    • Soft plastic recycling points

      Shop and community collection points for clean bags, wrapping and flexible plastic packaging. Check the scheme list because accepted materials vary.

    • Soft plastic collection points

      Shop collection points for clean plastic bags, wrapping and flexible packaging. Each scheme has its own accepted list.

    • Specialist disposal services

      Services for waste that needs controlled handling or a dedicated collection route. Check the official service before you move or transport the item.

    • Household hazardous waste services

      Council sites and collection services for household materials that can harm people or the environment. You must check the local service before travel.

    Related item guides

    • Cardboard

      Clean corrugated boxes, cereal boxes, card sleeves and other dry household card.

    • Plastic bags and film

      Clean carrier bags, bread bags, produce bags, wrapping film and other flexible plastic packaging.

    • Polystyrene

      Expanded foam packaging, protective blocks, beads and rigid polystyrene household items.

    Browse all item guides

    Questions about recycling bubble wrap

    Where can I recycle bubble wrap?
    Enter your postcode in the local finder to search specialist recycling schemes and soft plastic recycling points and soft plastic collection points and specialist disposal services and household hazardous waste services near you. Check the provider page before you travel because item lists and access rules can change.
    How should I prepare bubble wrap for recycling?
    Reuse bubble wrap for storage or parcels when it is still sound. Some shop soft plastic points accept it, but you must check the label.

    Sources for this guide

    Related resources

    Bin collection datesEnter your postcode and select your address to check your next bin day.Recycling CentreFind council tips, bring banks and places for harder-to-recycle items.About Bins Near MeLearn how we source data and keep it up to date.