No — crisp packets cannot go in your household kerbside recycling bin. They are made from multi-layer metallised film that standard recycling facilities cannot process, so they must either go in your general waste bin or be taken to a supermarket soft-plastic collection point.
Why crisp packets aren't kerbside recyclable
Most crisp packets consist of several thin layers of different materials — typically biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) film laminated with a metallic layer — bonded together to keep crisps fresh. Because the layers are fused and mixed, your local recycling facility cannot easily separate them. Flexible plastics like these also clog the sorting machinery that councils rely on, which is why they are excluded from almost every kerbside collection in the UK.
This is different from, say, a clean plastic bottle (rigid PET or HDPE), which most councils do accept. If you're unsure what your council accepts more broadly, have a look at our guide to what can be recycled in the UK for a general overview.
The bottom line: if you put crisp packets in your blue or green recycling bin, they are very likely to be pulled out as contamination and sent to landfill or incineration anyway — so they genuinely belong in the general waste bin unless you use one of the alternatives below.
Where to recycle crisp packets in the UK
There are currently two practical routes for crisp packet recycling away from the kerbside:
1. Supermarket soft-plastic drop-off points
Several major UK supermarkets run in-store soft-plastic collection points. Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Co-op are among the chains that accept flexible plastics for specialist recycling. Look for a clearly labelled collection bin near the entrance.
To find out which items qualify, look for the OPRL "Recycle at Store" label on the packet. This green label — introduced by the On-Pack Recycling Label scheme — indicates the packaging is accepted at participating supermarket drop-off points. Many crisp brands have updated their packets to carry this label.
What you can typically drop off alongside crisp packets:
- Bread bags and bakery wrappers
- Pasta and rice bags (emptied and rinsed)
- Frozen food bags
- Biscuit wrappers
- Fruit and vegetable plastic film
- Plastic carrier bags (see our guide to recycling plastic bags for more detail)
Always check the specific supermarket's guidelines before you go, as accepted items can vary between retailers.
2. Specialist recycling schemes
Certain community and brand-led programmes accept crisp packets specifically. TerraCycle has historically run crisp packet schemes in partnership with snack brands. Availability of these schemes changes, so check the Recycle Now flexible plastics guidance for current options near you.
What's changing by 2027?
Things are set to improve significantly. Under the government's Simpler Recycling reforms, kerbside collection of flexible plastics — including crisp packets — will become mandatory in England by March 2027. This means councils in England will be required to collect flexible plastic alongside paper, metal, and glass from your doorstep.
Pilot programmes across more than 160,000 households have already shown strong participation rates, so the infrastructure is being tested ahead of the rollout.
Important caveats:
- Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own devolved recycling policies — the 2027 deadline applies specifically to England. Check your local council for the latest position in the devolved nations.
- Even within England, how councils implement the new rules may vary — check your council's website as 2027 approaches.
- The industry has raised concerns about processing capacity, so there may be teething problems at the start.
Quick crisp packet recycling checklist
| Option | Available now? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kerbside recycling bin | No | Not accepted — put in general waste instead |
| Supermarket soft-plastic drop-off | Yes | Look for "Recycle at Store" label; Tesco, Sainsbury's, Co-op and others |
| Specialist/brand scheme (e.g. TerraCycle) | Sometimes | Check current availability online before travelling |
| Kerbside flexible plastic collection | Not yet | Mandatory in England from March 2027; devolved nations vary |
Never miss your bin collection again
Getting the right waste into the right bin on the right day is genuinely tricky — especially with council-specific rules, varying collection schedules, and bin days that shift around bank holidays. BinMate sends you a reminder the night before and the morning of your collection, automatically shifts dates when a bank holiday falls on your usual day, and gives you a handy home-screen widget so you always know what goes out next.
Frequently asked questions
Can crisp packets go in the recycling bin?
No. Crisp packets are made from multi-layer metallised film and are not accepted in kerbside recycling bins anywhere in the UK. They should go in your general waste bin unless you take them to a supermarket soft-plastic drop-off point instead.
Where can I recycle crisp packets near me?
Your best option is a supermarket with a soft-plastic collection point — Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Co-op are among those that participate. Look for the OPRL "Recycle at Store" label on the packet, which confirms it is accepted at in-store drop-off points. Availability varies by location, so check with your nearest store first.
Will crisp packets ever be collected kerbside in the UK?
In England, yes — the government's Simpler Recycling reforms will make kerbside flexible plastic collection (including crisp packets) mandatory by March 2027. Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have their own policies, so check with your local council for up-to-date information in those nations.
What is the "Recycle at Store" label on crisp packets?
It is an OPRL (On-Pack Recycling Label) marking that indicates the packaging can be dropped off at participating supermarket collection points rather than put in your kerbside recycling or general waste bin. Not all crisp packets carry it yet, so check the back of the pack before assuming it qualifies.
