What do I do with plastic bottles?
Plastic bottles go in your mixed recycling bin.
However, it is estimated that an average of 35.8 million plastic bottles are used EVERY DAY in the UK, but only just over half – 19.8 million – are recycled each day.
That means on average, there are 16 million plastic bottles not making their way into the recycling bin – every day.
Which plastic bottles can I recycle?
The simple answer is most of them. The only exceptions are those that have contained chemicals, such as antifreeze, for example. And check the labels on ready-to-use plant food and pesticides bottles.
That means all the following CAN be recycled:
- All clear and coloured plastic bottles from around the home.
- Cleaning product bottles, such as bathroom cleaners and bleach, with any triggers left on.
- Detergent and soap bottles, but minus the pump in this case.
- Fizzy and non-fizzy drinks and water bottles.
- Shampoo, shower gel and skin care product bottles.
- Milk bottles.
How to recycle plastic bottles
- Empty and rinse your empty plastic bottles. Any remaining liquids can contaminate other recyclables and if bottles contain liquid they may be deemed too heavy by the automated sorting process. Liquid can also damage the machinery.
- Leave the labels on – these will be removed in the process.
- Squash bottles to save space.
- Replace lids and tops. If they stay on the container they will get recycled.
- If the lid is already attached, leave attached as this will ensure the lid is recycled along with the bottle.
Why can’t I recycle other plastics like pots, tubs and trays in my recycling bin at home?
Unlike plastic bottles which are mainly made of two types of plastic (HDPE and PET) plastic pots, tubs, trays, bags and film are made of a range of different types of plastic.
All plastics in theory can be recycled but it is not always technically or economically viable. In Greater Manchester, we only collect plastic bottles because there is a sustainable market for them, and we can guarantee they will be recycled.
