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What to do with

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 used to be difficult for lasers to see and therefore it was generally not sorted for recycling.

However a new special type of black plastic which can be detected by lasers is now being used, and most black plastic packaging can be recycled.

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

Find out about your local authority
Enter your postcode to check

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Related content

Find out how to recycle:

Cotton buds

Disposable cutlery

Plastic bottles

Plastic bags and film

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Brought to you by WRAP

The Waste and Resources Action Programme (which operates as WRAP) is a registered UK Charity No. 1159512 and registered as a Company limited by guarantee in England & Wales No. 4125764.

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