Recycling plastic film in Shropshire

When we're out and about with Shropshire Master Composters we often get asked about all the plastic bags and plastic film which ends up in the bin.  But it doesnt have to be this way - you can recycle this material if you just take it back to the larger supermarkets in Shropshire which all allow you to recycle it at their in-store carrier bag recycling points.

What types of plastic film are accepted?

They accept any low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film which is sometimes (but not often) marked with a number 4. It's OK to include:

• plastic wrappers from bakery goods
• plastic breakfast cereal liners
• plastic toilet roll wrappers
• plastic bags from fruit and veg
• plastic carrier bags
• plastic bread bags
• plastic freezer bags
• plastic magazine wrap
• plastic shrink wrap 

What types of plastic film do they not accept?

• bubble wrap
• cling film

If you are unsure look out for the label on the packet which should say "recycle with your carrier bags at larger stores - not at the kerbside".

Where can I take plastic film?

The major supermarkets all offer recycling facilities for this type of material in their larger stores. Participating stores include the larger Asda, Sainsbury, Co-op, Tesco, Morrisons and Waitrose supermarkets.

What happens to the plastic film?

The supermarkets collect it at the front of the store and then they use "reverse haulage" so when new stock is delivered the empty truck takes away all their plastic wrapping. The plastic is recycled at a variety of UK reprocessors who use it to make recycled plastic carrier bags and rubbish bags.

Why recycle plastic film?

The average household gets through about 25 kg of plastic film each year, and while this seems like a tiny amount, it adds up to thousands of tonnes of the stuff across Shropshire. You can keep this out of landfill by taking it back to the supermarket. By recycling plastic it helps to reduce oil use, save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.