Find places to recycle plastic pots, tubs and trays near you
Empty food pots, margarine tubs, meat trays, fruit punnets and similar rigid plastic packaging.
Other names include food trays, plastic tubs, punnets, yoghurt pots.
Find a nearby place for plastic pots, tubs and trays
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How to recycle plastic pots, tubs and trays
Empty and rinse packaging. Remove absorbent pads and film lids, then follow the local rule for plastic lids.
- Possible recycling routes
- Bring banks and recycling pointsHousehold waste recycling centres
Prepare plastic pots, tubs and trays for recycling
- Empty and rinse
- Remove film and absorbent pads
- Stack only when pieces separate easily
What must stay out
Keep these items separate and check the site rules before you travel.
- Black plastic acceptance varies
- Plant pots, toys and storage boxes are hard plastic items
- Compostable packaging does not belong in ordinary plastic recycling
Types of site to check
These site types can list plastic pots, tubs and trays. Each provider sets its own limits and access rules.
- Bring banks and recycling points
Small public recycling sites with separate containers for selected materials. They are often in supermarket, council and community car parks.
- Household waste recycling centres
Council-run sites that accept many types of household recycling and waste. Local rules can cover booking, proof of address, vehicle permits and charges for some DIY waste.
Collection and take-back services
These services may offer another route when a local site does not list the item.
- Recycle Now
UK recycling guidance with an item directory and a postcode-based recycling locator.
Related item guides
- Hard plastic items
Rigid household plastics such as storage boxes, buckets, toys and garden furniture.
- Plastic bags and film
Clean carrier bags, bread bags, produce bags, wrapping film and other flexible plastic packaging.
- Plastic bottles
Empty drinks, milk, detergent, shampoo and cleaning product bottles made from accepted household plastics.
Questions about recycling plastic pots, tubs and trays
- Where can I recycle plastic pots, tubs and trays?
- Enter your postcode in the local finder to search bring banks and recycling points and household waste recycling centres near you. Check the provider page before you travel because item lists and access rules can change.
- How should I prepare plastic pots, tubs and trays for recycling?
- Empty and rinse packaging. Remove absorbent pads and film lids, then follow the local rule for plastic lids.
Sources for this guide
- Simpler recycling: household recycling in England
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs · Reviewed 14 August 2026
- Recycle an item
Recycle Now · Reviewed 14 August 2026