Black plastic

When plastic packaging goes into the recycling it is sorted into different types of plastics which are then baled up ready for reprocessing. Special laser technology is used to do this sorting. Black plastic is difficult for lasers to see and therefore it is generally not sorted for recycling.

There is a move to using clear plastic instead but it cannot be used in all cases for example ready meal trays.  A new special type of black plastic which can be detected by lasers is also starting to be used.

The best thing to do is to check with your local authority to be sure what they are asking local residents to do with black plastic.

Find out more about recycling black plastic