A waste expert has settled the debate over where to recycle crisp packets, explaining that while they can be recycled, they should not go in your home recycling bin.
Soft plastics such as crisp packets, chocolate wrappers and other food packaging cannot be recycled in plastic waste, even though they are plastic. If these items end up in your recycling bin, it could cause your bins to be rejected by collection crews.
Expert's Three-Word Answer
Ashley, a waste expert with 13 years of experience in the UK waste and recycling industry, posts on social media under the handle @theno.1binman. In a recent video, he explained how crisp packets should be recycled.
His answer is simple: “They can be recycled, just not in your recycling bin at home.”
Where to Recycle Soft Plastics
Ashley explained that soft plastic packaging can be recycled, but it needs to be taken to specialist plastic recycling bins, which are often found outside large supermarkets. He said: “Most supermarkets have them at the exits. You can take them [the soft plastics] there and recycle them but do not recycle them in your household bins.”
If the packaging does end up in the recycling bin, it can cause issues with waste collection. Ashley warned: “Don't put them [soft plastics] in your plastic bin because it could get rejected and then you’ll have to sort through it all. Exactly the same thing goes for chocolate wrappers.”
Check Your Local Council Rules
To ensure your bin gets collected, it is important to check your local council’s rubbish collection rules, as each council may have different regulations.
For those looking to recycle soft plastics correctly, the advice is to keep a bag or box at home to store them in, then bring it along on your next trip to the supermarket for grocery shopping.
