To decide if it can be recycled, try to keep it simple! Think of plastics in broad categories;
- bottles
Yes - if it is a plastic bottle it can be recycled, easy! - pots, tubs & trays
Yes to all yoghurt pots, margarine/ice cream tubs, meat/fish trays etc. Just look out for expanded polystyrene - this cannot currently be recycled. - bags & wrapping
Yes to all carrier bags. Just look out for anything that behaves like cellophane - this cannot currently be recycled.
Good guides & helpful hints
- Download Plastic fantastic. This poem explains the different types of plastic, how to identify them and which can be recycled. There are 4 poems to a page, so please share the remaining copies with friends and neighbours!
- The Snap Test
Polystyrene will snap (like a prawn cracker) when bent. If it snaps, we can't recycle it.
Food Packaging / Containers: the majority can be recycled - except Expanded Polystyrene (The Snap Test) - The Stretch Test
Plastic wrapping that stretches (i.e carrier bags) can be recycled. If it doesn't stretch, we can't recycle it.
Plastic Wrapping: generally, if it stretches it can be recycled. So carrier bags = YES, cellophane = NO (The Stretch Test) - Download The Snap, Stretch and Spring.
These quick tests are designed to be a fun way to help you decide. As before there are 4 poems to a page.
Item | Recyclable? | Further Information |
---|---|---|
Fruit Nets | No | not currently accepted for recycling |
Cellophane Wrapping
|
No | apply the Stretch Test![]() |
Cat Food / Coffee Pouches | No | usually made from layers of foil and plastic - difficult to separate |
Yoghurt Pots | Yes | often made from Polypropylene (the same plastic as Tupperware) |
Fruit Punnets | Yes | ![]() |
Margarine Tubs | Yes | often made from Polypropylene |
Plastic Trays | Yes |
apply the Snap Test - Expanded Polystyrene trays will snap |
Biscuit Trays | Yes | ![]() |