A binman has finally settled the debate over which bin to place empty crisp packets and chocolate wrappers. Brits consume more than eight billion packets of crisps every year, according to Statista, a figure set to rise to over 11 billion annually by 2030—over 30 million packets daily. The UK also ranks among the top five chocolate-consuming nations globally, generating enormous numbers of wrappers.
Recycling Challenges for Soft Plastics
Despite advances in food packaging recycling, there is no simple method for recycling crisp and chocolate wrappers. These packets often contain multiple layers of polypropylene or polyethylene with an aluminium coating, known as "soft plastics." The ability to recycle this material at scale remains severely limited, though most local authorities collect hard plastics.
Environmental charity WRAP stated: "There is still change that needs to take place for widespread roll-out of recycling collections at kerbside for plastic bags and wrappings." Regulations vary across the UK, and some authorities collect soft plastics; residents should check local guidelines.
The No1 Binman's Advice
Ashley, known as The No1 Binman on TikTok with over 177,000 followers, clarified the correct disposal method. "They do not go in any of your recycling bins," he said. "A crisp packet, yes it can be recycled but you need to take it [to a supermarket]. Most supermarkets take them. Otherwise, you can put them in your general waste bin."
He added: "If you're looking to recycle crisp packets, then it goes in the bins in the supermarket. It's the same for chocolate wrappers, because it's such a thin plastic and made from different materials."
Long-Lasting Plastic Waste
In 2023, the BBC highlighted how crisp packets from the 1960s were discovered washed up on a Norfolk beach, including Golden Wonder packets with a 5d price tag and 2d Spangles sweets, underscoring the durability of plastics.
