Soft plastics, plastic films, plastic bags and wrapping, flexible plastics – whatever you call them; these can now be recycled at your local supermarket.
Out of 311,000 tonnes of plastic wrapping that is placed on our shelves, only 6% is recycled.
That’s why UK supermarkets have joined forces to collect one of the last plastics that can’t be widely recycled at home.
Whether it’s bread bags or frozen food bags, crisp packets or pet food pouches, loo roll wrap or chocolate wrappers – you can now recycle all of these at more than 4000 supermarkets.
By recycling together, we can make change for the better and have a positive impact on the planet.
JJ Chalmers explains how to recycle plastic bags and wrapping
We are delighted to announce Invictus Games athlete, Winter Olympics presenter, and Strictly Come Dancing Star JJ Chalmers as our Repeat the Cycle campaign ambassador. JJ said:
“I’m thrilled to be supporting Recycle Now to help get the word out on recycling plastic bags and wrapping. It's a passion of mine to keep stuff like plastics in use and out of the environment - that's why I do a lot of work on upcycling. So I think it's fantastic that we can now gather up our plastic bags, wrapping, and films, and bring them back to the store each time we shop. It's a simple habit that will make a huge difference to our impact on the natural environment.”
Top tips for recycling plastic bags and wrapping:
Check out our Recycling Locator to find your nearest supermarket recycling point.
Ensure bags and wrapping are food-free and as clean as possible – this will mean it’s in the best possible condition for recycling.
Keep your used, clean plastic bags and wrapping all together and take in bulk on your next supermarket trip. Whether it’s stashed in a cupboard under the sink or bundled together in a bag by your front door – find a storage system that works for you.
Add a reminder on your shopping list to take it back with you to the shop.
Yes please
Plastic carrier bags
Bread bags
Frozen food bags
Delivery bags
Cereal liners
Toilet roll wrapping
Multi-pack wrapping
Salad, pasta, and rice bags
Cheese, fish and meat wrapping
Crisps, sweet bags, biscuit and chocolate wrapping
Baby, pet food, detergent and cleaning pouches
Flexible plastic packaging lids
Bubble wrap and cling film
No thanks
Compostable and biodegradable bags and wrapping
Cardboard packaging
Plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays