Plastic Bags and Wrapping Service - Pilot Scheme
A new recycling service for plastic bags and wrapping is being introduced in parts of West Northamptonshire. This means that households within the pilot area are now able to include plastic bags and wrapping within their normal blue lidded recycling bin.
Plastic bags and wrapping refers to the flexible plastic packaging that typically bends easily and can include bags, removable lids/liners (yoghurt pot lids) and wrappings.
Plastic bags and wrapping are most commonly used to protect products such as sweets and chocolates, snack foods, frozen foods, bakery, fresh produce, meat, dairy, processed foods, cosmetics, personal care, householder detergents, and beverage bottle/can wrappings.
Front of store points to recycle
You can still take your plastic bags and wrapping to front of store points to recycle if your supermarket offers this service. This new kerbside collection service aims to make it more convenient for you, allowing you to recycle your plastic bags and wrapping in your blue lidded recycling bin.
Environmental benefit of recycling plastic bags and wrapping
Creating new products from recycled plastic provides many benefits to the environment. Almost all virgin plastics (plastic that has never been recycled) comes from fossil fuels. The process of manufacturing plastic creates millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases every year, which harms the environment.
Where your plastic bags and wrappings are taken
Plastic bags and wrappings, along with the rest of the recycling in your recycling bin, is taken to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) operated by Sherbourne Recycling in Coventry.
Plastic bags and wrappings are extracted using high velocity suction. Once separated, it is baled and sent to a UK-based partner in the Midlands, who mixes the material with other plastic polymers to create black plastic bag products.
How to recycle your plastic bags and wrapping at home
Recycling your plastic bags and wrapping is simple! Find out what to do below.
- Your plastic bags and wrapping should be empty and free from food residue and other contaminations.
- Place your plastic bags and wrapping into your recycling bin, loose, with your other recyclables.
- Place your recycling bin at the kerbside on your collection day.
Do not place any recycling within bags, and make sure all material is separated and loose. This makes it easier to be sorted and then recycled into something new.
Plastic bags and wrapping is in addition to your regular recycling service.
All plastic bags
- carrier bags
- salad/fruit/vegetable bags
- frozen food bags
- bread bags
- cereal bags
- flower bags
Confectionary wrappers
- chocolate
- sweets
- biscuits
- cakes
- ice cream and chewing gum wrappers
Outer layer bags and wrapping
- multipacks
- toilet and kitchen roll
- magazine and newspaper wrapping
Foil lined packaging
- crisp/snack packets
- coffee bags
Plastic film and sleeves
- removeable film lids
- plastic sleeves for bottles and jars
Bubble wrap and cling film
- maximum 1m sections
Other bags and wrapping
- cheese, fish, and meat wrapping
- fruit and vegetable net bags
All items should be clean and free of food.
Do not recycle:
- pouches, sachets and packets - microwaveable food, baby/pet food, cosmetics, detergent and cleaning
- balloons
- blister packs, pills, and tablets packaging
- compostable or biodegradable bags and wrapping
- crisp tubes
- disposable gloves or masks
- foam or polystyrene of any kind
- plastic straws or cutlery
- textiles and clothing
Last updated 16 October 2025