Plastic Recycling

Plastic is a popular and extremely versatile material. Many of us readily accept products or food items packaged in some form of plastic, often without considering the environmental impact of its production, and disposing of single-use plastics within minutes.

You may be surprised to know that most plastics are made from fossil fuels, such as oil and gas, extracted from both land and the seabed.

By opting to reuse and recycle plastic when possible, we can help to reduce the demand for new materials and protect resources. Doing so will also:

Save energy: Recycling plastic uses less energy than producing new plastic from raw materials, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Minimise waste: Recycling plastics decreases the amount of plastic waste going to landfills and oceans, reducing litter and pollution and therefore creating less harm to wildlife

Reduce impact on climate: Recycling reduces the carbon footprint of plastic products. Lowering greenhouse gas emissions that are associated with plastic production will help combat climate change

Promote sustainable habits: Recycling supports a culture of responsible consumers and waste reduction. It encourages individuals and industries to adopt more sustainable and eco-friendly behaviours

#BePartoftheLoop and help inspire others to make a difference

In the UK, only a limited number of plastic types are commonly collected and recycled from households. Although other types of plastics have the potential for recyclability, they often need a more specific recycling process.

However, thanks to advancements in recycling techniques, an increasing variety of plastic types are being collected and recycled, with further improvements expected in the years ahead.

As many consumers will know, plastics display a symbol of an arrowed triangle, containing a number between 1-7. This helps to identify the types of plastic resin used to make the product.

The most commonly recycled plastics are:

1 - PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) This is a widely recycled plastic that is mainly used in clear single use plastic, such as bottles

2 - HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) This is a widely recycled and is found in thicker coloured plastic bottles and tubs, such as shampoo bottles and milk cartons

5 - PP (Polypropylene) This is widely recycled and can be found in trays and margarine tubs

While collected less often, some other plastics still hold the potential for recycling, although this typically requires the use of specialised facilities.

What happens to non-recyclable plastics?

The recyclability of plastics varies, primarily depending on their resin code. While many plastics can potentially be recycled, some are not because of how they are made.

Thermoset plastic is a polymer that irreversibly becomes rigid when heated, meaning you cannot recycle it. In contrast, thermoplastics can be melted and reshaped, making them suitable for recycling.

Only small amounts of household films are currently recycled. Most household kerbside collections will not accept plastic films, or items such as plastic bags, due to problems with separating them from other materials, they can also get tangled up in the machinery at sorting plants. As we wait for more councils to have the capability to accept these items, many of your local supermarkets now have collection points for plastic bags and wrapping. It would be worth checking with them, but other items can include cling film, bread bags, crisp packets, food pouches etc. Find out where items can be accepted for recycling by using our recycling locator tool.

Non-recyclable or harder to recycle plastics, such as polystyrene, PVC and polyester, often end up in landfills. However, some plastic waste can be repurposed or reused. We should explore alternatives to landfill, recognising that plastic waste holds untapped potential, rather than it being instantly dismissed as worthless.

There are steps we as consumers can take to make sure plastic is properly prepared for collection and recycling in our household waste and while on the go.

Before throwing plastic into the recycling bin, remember these easy steps to help make sure it gets recycled properly. First, give bottles a quick rinse to remove any leftover food or liquids. If bottles have liquid inside, it may prevent them from being recycled, as the automated sorting process may consider them too heavy. Additionally, liquid can harm the machinery.

Leave the labels on, as they will be taken off during the recycling process. To save space in your recycling bin, squash the bottles. Finally, don’t forget to put the lids and tops back on. They will be recycled if still attached, as it will prevent them from falling through gaps in the machinery during the sorting process.

Check out Recoup’s video for more information on the sorting and recycling process of plastic waste

Reshaping the future: Plastic waste and recycling

Plastic is now integrated into our daily lives and is among one of the most popular materials used. However, plastic waste poses a substantial threat to our health and the environment due to its lasting presence in landfills and oceans.

Where to recycle plastic near me...

Plastic is a popular and extremely versatile material. Many of us readily accept products or food items packaged in some form of plastic, often without considering the environmental impact of its production, and disposing of single-use plastics within minutes.

What happens to non-recyclable plastics?

Plastic recycling

Reshaping the future: Plastic waste and recycling

Plastic is now integrated into our daily lives and is among one of the most popular materials used. However, plastic waste poses a substantial threat to our health and the environment due to its lasting presence in landfills and oceans.

Where to recycle plastic near me...

Plastic is a popular and extremely versatile material. Many of us readily accept products or food items packaged in some form of plastic, often without considering the environmental impact of its production, and disposing of single-use plastics within minutes.

What happens to non-recyclable plastics?

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