Soft plastics
How to recycle plastic packaging
Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays can be recycled with your home recycling. Bags and film go to a supermarket collection point instead.
Bottles, pots, tubs and trays
These can be recycled. Leave the lids and labels on.
Bags and film
Plastic bags and film go to a soft plastic collection point at larger supermarkets.
Polystyrene
Polystyrene is not commonly recycled. It goes in the waste bin unless a tip near you takes it.
Millions of bottles miss recycling each day
Recycle Now estimates the UK uses about 35.8 million plastic bottles a day but recycles only 19.8 million of them.
Key facts
- Binmap lists 140 places that say they take plastic packaging, including 56 tips.
- Another 208 places may take plastic packaging, but they do not say so. Check before you go.
Last updated: 15 October 2026
Written by Binmap using guidance from Recycle Now.
Advice from national bodies
What to do
- Rinse out food and drink.
- Squash bottles to save space.
- Put lids back on bottles.
Mistakes to avoid
- Plastic film and absorbent pads from meat trays go in the waste bin.
Kinds of place that take it
- Local recycling sites
- Soft plastic drop-offs
- Recycling centres
Guides for similar items
Other kinds of place
Schemes and collection services
Binmap is independent and is not run by any council.