Find places to recycle plastic bags and film near you
Clean carrier bags, bread bags, produce bags, wrapping film and other flexible plastic packaging.
Other names include bread bags, carrier bags, packaging film, plastic film, soft plastic.
Find a nearby place for plastic bags and film
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Collection and take-back services
Use these services if no nearby place lists plastic bags and film.
How to recycle plastic bags and film
Use bags again where possible. Many supermarkets collect selected soft plastics, but the accepted list at the collection point is the final guide.
Prepare plastic bags and film for recycling
- Empty bags
- Remove receipts and food
- Keep film clean and dry
What must stay out
Keep these items separate and check the site rules before you travel.
- Cling film, compostable bags and heavily soiled film can be excluded
- Local kerbside rules vary
- Do not leave full bags beside a shop collection point
Types of site to check
These site types can list plastic bags and film. 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.
- Retailer take-back points
Shops and delivery services that take back selected products or packaging. Rules depend on the product, the retailer and whether you are buying a replacement.
Related item guides
- Bubble wrap
Clean flexible plastic bubble wrap used to protect parcels and household goods.
- Crisp packets
Empty flexible plastic snack bags, including metallised plastic packets.
- Pet food pouches
Empty flexible pouches used for wet pet food and treats.
- Plastic pots, tubs and trays
Empty food pots, margarine tubs, meat trays, fruit punnets and similar rigid plastic packaging.
Questions about recycling plastic bags and film
- Where can I recycle plastic bags and film?
- 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 and retailer take-back points near you. Check the provider page before you travel because item lists and access rules can change.
- How should I prepare plastic bags and film for recycling?
- Use bags again where possible. Many supermarkets collect selected soft plastics, but the accepted list at the collection point is the final guide.
Sources for this guide
- Simpler recycling: household recycling in England
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reviewed 14 August 2026
- Recycle an item
Recycle Now · Reviewed 14 August 2026