Soft plastics
Where to recycle soft plastics
Plastic bags, wrappers and film can go to a soft plastic collection point, found at larger supermarkets. They must be clean and free of food.
Supermarket collection points
Collection points take carrier bags, bread bags, cereal liners, frozen food bags, magazine wrappers, multipack film, fruit and veg nets and coffee pouches.
Selected stores take more
Selected stores also take crisp and sweet bags, cling film, bubble wrap, film lids and cheese and meat wrapping. Check what a store takes before you go.
Compostable bags spoil recycled plastic
Recycle Now says compostable and biodegradable bags are not made to be recycled and can cause quality problems in recycled plastic.
Key facts
- Binmap lists 143 places that say they take soft plastics, including 56 tips.
Last updated: 15 October 2026
Written by Binmap using guidance from Recycle Now.
Advice from national bodies
What to do
- Make sure each item is clean and free of food.
- Tear off sticky labels where you can.
Mistakes to avoid
- Keep compostable and biodegradable bags out. Put them in your compost bin if you have one.
Kinds of place that take it
- Soft plastic drop-offs
Guides for similar items
Other kinds of place
Schemes and collection services
Binmap is independent and is not run by any council.