They can be recycled – but not where you think.
Crisp packets need to be carefully disposed of(Image: Getty)
The question of what goes in which recycling bin can be a tricky one. Many things that people assume to be safely recyclable can in fact cause your bins to be rejected by collection. One of the most common items that end up in recycling bins that should not be there is soft plastic.
Things such as crisp packets, chocolate wrappers and other food packaging cannot be recycled in plastic waste – even though they are plastic.
One waste expert, known as Ashley, who posts on social media under the handle @theno.1binman, has worked in the UK waste and recycling industry for 13 years. He often posts videos about the tips and tricks of the trade – especially recycling.
In a recently posted video, Ashley cleared up some confusion about plastic recycling and crisp packets. He explained how crisp packets should be recycled.
Soft plastics need careful recycling(Image: Getty)
The answer here is simple — not at home. He said: “They can be recycled, just not in your recycling bin at home.”
Ashley then explained that soft plastic packaging can be recycled, but they need to be taken to specialist plastic recycling bins which are often found outside large supermarkets.
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Ashley continued: “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 explained: “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.”
Collect your soft plastics at home ready to drop off at a collection point(Image: Getty)
If you want to ensure that your bin gets collected, it’s very important to check your local council’s rubbish collection rules.
Each council may have different rules, so make sure you know what goes where.
If you are looking to correctly recycle soft plastics, keep a bag or a box which you can store them in at your home and then bring it with you on your next trip to the supermarket for your grocery shopping.