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Soft Plastics: Can They Be Recycled?

Soft plastics are everywhere — from bread bags to chip packets — but they can’t be recycled in your kerbside bin. The good news is, specialised recycling programs and new council services are emerging. Here’s what you need to know about recycling soft plastics.

✅ When Soft Plastics Can Be Recycled

  • Plastic shopping bags (through drop-off programs, not kerbside bins)

  • Bread bags, cereal liners, and produce bags

  • Cling wrap (clean, food-free)

  • Snack and confectionery wrappers – e.g. chip packets, lolly bags

  • Bubble wrap and mailing satchels

➡️ These items are recyclable only through dedicated soft plastics programs (e.g. supermarket collection schemes or pilot council programs), not in your household recycling bin.

❌ When Soft Plastics Can’t Be Recycled

  • In kerbside commingled bins – soft plastics jam recycling machinery and contaminate streams.

  • Soiled or food-contaminated plastics – dirty cling wrap, greasy packaging.

  • Compostable or biodegradable plastics – they must go in FOGO (if certified) or general waste, not recycling.

  • Metallic or multi-layer plastics – e.g. some chip packets with foil lining (check program acceptance lists).

Household Tips

  • Collect soft plastics in a separate bag at home.

  • Drop them at designated supermarket or community collection points (check if programs are active in your area).

  • Keep them clean and dry before recycling — no food residue.

  • If unsure, place them in general waste rather than contaminating your recycling bin.

Business Tips

  • For cafés, restaurants, and offices, provide a separate soft plastics bin in kitchens or packaging areas.

  • Partner with a specialist soft plastics collection service for bulk volumes.

  • Train staff on separation — soft plastics must never go into commingled or cardboard bins.

  • Consider switching to recyclable rigid packaging where possible to reduce soft plastic waste.

Quick Reference

Recycle (via drop-off) Not Accepted
Bread bags & shopping bags In kerbside recycling bins
Snack wrappers & lolly bags Food-soiled soft plastics
Bubble wrap & satchels Compostable/biodegradable bags
Cling wrap (clean) Multi-layer metallic plastics (varies)

Best Practices Summary

  1. Never put soft plastics in your kerbside recycling bin.

  2. Collect and return them to drop-off points where available.

  3. Keep soft plastics clean and dry.

  4. Businesses should set up separate bins and use collection services.

  5. Reduce soft plastic use where possible.

Conclusion: Smarter Soft Plastics Recycling

Soft plastics are tricky — but recycling options are growing. By keeping them out of kerbside bins and using dedicated collection services, you’ll help reduce contamination and support the development of new recycling solutions.

👉 Check out Waster’s Commingled Recycling bin options today in our online shop.

Download Now: Free PDF Business Owners Guide To Commingled Recycling Bin Services