Soft plastics
How to recycle plastic pots, tubs and trays
Yoghurt pots, margarine tubs and food trays can be recycled once rinsed. Peel off film lids and take out absorbent pads first.
What can be recycled
Yoghurt and soup pots, margarine and ice cream tubs, meat and takeaway trays, fruit punnets, dishwasher tablet tubs and plant pots that are not black.
Film lids
Film lids can go to a soft plastic collection point at larger supermarkets.
Leftover food spoils other recycling
Recycle Now says food left in pots and tubs can contaminate other recycling.
Key facts
- Binmap lists 667 places that may take plastic pots, tubs and trays, but none of them 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 them with leftover washing up water.
- Peel off film lids and take out absorbent pads.
- Leave labels on.
Mistakes to avoid
- Paint pots, plastic toys and polystyrene do not go in with pots and tubs.
Kinds of place that take it
- Local recycling sites
- Recycling centres
Guides for similar items
Other kinds of place
Schemes and collection services
Binmap is independent and is not run by any council.