Which Plastics You Can and Cannot Recycle

In today’s environmentally conscious world, understanding which plastics are recyclable is crucial for effective waste management. As a UK business owner or individual, you may often find yourself wondering about the recyclability of various plastic items.
This article will help you navigate the complex world of plastic packaging recycling, ensuring you’re making informed decisions about your waste disposal.
Why is Plastic Recycling Important?
Plastic recycling plays a vital role in reducing environmental impact and conserving resources. By recycling plastic, we can:
- Reduce landfill waste: Plastics can take hundreds to thousands of years to decompose, occupying valuable landfill space.
- Conserve energy: Recycling plastic requires less energy than producing new plastic from raw materials.
- Reduce pollution: Proper recycling helps prevent plastic from entering our oceans and harming marine life.
- Save resources: Recycling plastic reduces the need for virgin plastic production, conserving oil and other raw materials.
Understanding Plastic Types: What Are the Seven Different Types of Plastic?
To effectively recycle plastic, it’s essential to understand the different types. Plastics are categorised into seven main types, each with a unique resin code:
- PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) [1]
- HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) [2]
- PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) [3]
- LDPE (Low-Density Polyethylene) [4]
- PP (Polypropylene) [5]
- PS (Polystyrene) [6]
- Other (includes mixed plastics and less common types)
These resin codes are usually stamped on the bottom of plastic items, often within a triangular recycling symbol. Understanding these codes is crucial for proper sorting and recycling.
Which Plastics Can Be Recycled in the UK?
In the UK, the recyclability of plastics varies depending on local recycling facilities and council policies. However, some plastics are more widely recyclable than others:
PET (1)
Commonly used for soft drink bottles and food trays. PET is widely recycled across the UK.
HDPE (2)
Used for milk bottles, shampoo bottles, and some food packaging. HDPE is also widely recyclable.
PP (5)
Found in margarine tubs, ready-meal trays, and some bottle caps. Many councils now accept PP for recycling.
LDPE (4)
While not as commonly recycled as PET or HDPE, some facilities can recycle LDPE. It’s often used in plastic bags and some food packaging.
It’s important to note that even if a plastic type is recyclable, it may not be accepted in your local kerbside collection. Always check with your local council for specific recycling guidelines.
What About Plastic Bags and Wrapping?
Plastic bags and wrapping, often made from LDPE, pose a challenge for recycling facilities. While they can be recycled, they’re not typically accepted in household recycling bins due to the risk of tangling in machinery. However, many supermarkets now offer collection points for plastic bags and wrapping. This includes items like bread bags, frozen food bags, and plastic film from food trays.
Which Plastics Cannot Be Recycled?
Some plastics are particularly difficult to recycle and are often not accepted in standard recycling collections:
PVC (3)
Used in window frames, pipes, and some food packaging. PVC can contaminate other plastics during the recycling process.
PS (6)
Found in disposable cutlery, packaging peanuts, and some food containers. While technically recyclable, PS is often not collected due to its low density and high contamination risk.
Other (7)
This category includes mixed plastics and less common types that are typically not recyclable through standard means.
Black plastic
While the plastic itself may be recyclable, the black pigment can’t be detected by optical sorting systems in recycling facilities.
Contaminated plastics
Any plastic contaminated with food waste or other materials may be rejected for recycling.
How Can We Improve Plastic Recycling Rates?
Improving plastic recycling rates requires effort from both consumers and businesses:
- Proper sorting: Ensure you’re correctly sorting your plastics according to local guidelines.
- Clean before recycling: Rinse out containers to remove food residue.
- Reduce and reuse: Where possible, opt for reusable alternatives to single-use plastics.
- Support recycled content: Choose products made from recycled plastics to create demand for recycled materials.
- Stay informed: Keep up to date with local recycling policies and facilities.
What Role Does Packaging Reuse Play in Plastic Recycling?
At Packaging Reuse, we understand the complexities of plastic recycling. Our services go beyond simple recycling to include reconditioning and reuse of industrial packaging. This approach helps to extend the life of plastic containers, reducing the need for new plastic production.
We specialise in the treatment and recycling of various types of industrial packaging, including plastic IBCs (Intermediate Bulk Containers) and drums. Our expert team ensures that these items are properly cleaned, reconditioned, and recycled when they reach the end of their usable life.
By choosing our services, businesses can significantly reduce their plastic waste and improve their overall environmental impact. We work closely with our clients to develop tailored waste management solutions that maximise recycling and minimise landfill waste. Contact our expert team today to find out more.
Sources:
Source 1: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_terephthalate
Source 2: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-density_polyethylene
Source 3: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyvinyl_chloride
Source 4: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Low-density_polyethylene
Source 5: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polypropylene
Source 6: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polystyrene