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How to recycle plastic packaging

Rigid and flexible household packaging made from plastic, with local acceptance based on the packaging type.

Other names include packaging plastic, plastic containers, plastic wrappers.

Find a nearby place for plastic packaging

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    Collection and take-back services

    Use these services if no nearby place lists plastic packaging.

    Find your local councilGOV.UK sends you to the council that manages household recycling and waste services for your postcode.GOV.UK household waste serviceGOV.UK sends residents to the council service for household waste and recycling.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 plastic packaging

    Empty and separate the packaging. Check whether the local route accepts rigid containers, soft film or both.

    Possible recycling routes
    Recycling centres and tipsSoft plastic recycling pointsSoft plastic collection pointsLocal recycling sitesBring banks and recycling pointsHousehold waste recycling centresRetailer take-back points

    Prepare plastic packaging for recycling

    • Empty and rinse
    • Remove film and absorbent pads
    • Stack only when pieces separate easily

    What must stay out

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

    • Black plastic acceptance varies
    • Plant pots, toys and storage boxes are hard plastic items
    • Compostable packaging does not belong in ordinary plastic recycling

    Types of site to check

    These site types can list plastic packaging. Each provider sets its own limits and access rules.

    • Recycling centres and tips

      Council recycling centres accept many types of household waste. Check the council rules for booking, permits, proof of address, vehicle access and charges before travel.

    • 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.

    • Local recycling sites

      Small recycling points for selected materials. They are often in supermarket, council or community car parks, and each site has its own accepted list.

    • Bring banks and recycling points

      Small public recycling sites with separate containers for selected materials. They are often in supermarket, council and community car parks.

    • Household waste recycling centres

      Council-run sites that accept many types of household recycling and waste. Local rules can cover booking, proof of address, vehicle permits and charges for some DIY waste.

    • 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

    • Plastic bottles and containers

      Empty household plastic bottles and accepted rigid containers from food, drink, cleaning and toiletries.

    • Plastic pots, tubs and trays

      Empty food pots, margarine tubs, meat trays, fruit punnets and similar rigid plastic packaging.

    • Soft plastics

      Flexible plastic bags, wrappers and film that can be collected by participating shops or specialist schemes.

    Browse all item guides

    Questions about recycling plastic packaging

    Where can I recycle plastic packaging?
    Enter your postcode in the local finder to search recycling centres and tips and soft plastic recycling points and soft plastic collection points and local recycling sites and bring banks and recycling points and household waste recycling centres 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 packaging for recycling?
    Empty and separate the packaging. Check whether the local route accepts rigid containers, soft film or both.

    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.