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This content was archived on 23rd January 2019

What to do with

Plastic tubs & trays

Want to recycle plastic pots, tubs and trays?
To check which plastic items can be recycled at home or to find out where your nearest recycling facilities are, use our handy Recycling Locator tool.
Find your nearest plastics recycling points

What plastic pots, tubs and trays can be recycled at home?

Not all local authorities accept these items, but if they do, typically they will collect:

Yes pleaseNo thanks
Pots (e.g. yogurt, soup)Medicine packs (e.g. headache pills)
Tubs (e.g. margarine, ice cream)Film lids from the pots or trays
Trays or punnets (e.g. raw or cooked meat trays; take-away trays; fruit & veg trays)Laminated pouches (e.g. cat food and coffee pouches that spring back when you try and scrunch them - these are currently not recyclable)
Chocolate and biscuit tubs and traysPaint pots - recycle these at your local recycling centre
Other clear plastic packagingPlastic toys - these are currently not recyclable
Non-black plant potsExpanded polystyrene (e.g. packaging inserts)

How to recycle plastic pots, tubs and trays

  • Rinse food packaging - a quick rinse will do. Left-over food residue can contaminate other recyclables.
  • Labels and lids can all be left on but plastic film must be removed and put in the general rubbish bin.

Plastics - how are they recycled?

  • Use left over washing up water to rinse your plastic pots and tubs before recycling.
  • Remove any film lids and absorbent pads from plastic trays and put these in the general rubbish.
  • Any cardboard or paper sleeves can be recycled separately.
Tips for recycling plastic pots, tubs and trays
Can you put plastic pots, tubs and trays in your home recycling?
Enter your postcode here to check

What to do with...

  • All items
  • Popular items
  • Aerosols
  • Christmas decorations & packaging
  • Clothing & textiles
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  • Furniture
  • Glass bottles & jars
  • Plastic bottles
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Related content

Find out how to recycle:

Plastic film

Plastic bottles

Food & drink pouches

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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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