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Plastic Recycling For UK Business
We have recycled over 100,000 tonnes of plastic, cardboard, paper and various other materials for businesses across the UK. Almost every polymer has a route, and we will find the right one for yours.
100k+
tonnes recycled to date
18
polymer streams collected
UK-wide
single site to multi-depot
Who we collect from
- Manufacturing & packing
- Retail & distribution
- Logistics & Warehousing
- Hospitality
- Councils & public sector
01 — The picture
How Much Plastic Is Recycled?
Provisional figures for 2024 show that between 64.1% and 75.2% of UK packaging waste was recycled. However, approximately 17% of total overall plastic waste is recycled here, despite advancements in recycling methods.
Today, almost all types of plastic can be recycled. From LDPE to HDPE, PVC to PET, various forms of plastic materials can be repurposed effectively.
The gap between what can be recycled and what is recycled is a commercial problem, not a technical one. That gap is where we work.
64–75%
of UK packaging waste recycled, provisional 2024 figures
17%
of total overall plastic waste recycled in the UK
02 — The process
How is plastic recycled?
There are two main types of plastic recycling. Mechanical recycling is by far the most commonly used process in the UK, and the core method of recycling waste plastic materials.
Mechanical recycling
1
Sorting
Recycling facilities sort the waste based on a variety of factors, including the type and colour of the waste. This ensures the segregation of different types of waste and effective processing.
2
Shredding
Once sorting is complete, the plastic is broken down into small flakes. The flakes are of uniform size, which is easier to handle and recycle.
3
Washing & drying
Washing removes impurities such as adhesives, labels and food contamination. Once washed, a mechanical and thermal drying process completes the material for the next stage.
4
Melting & repurposing
Extrusion melts the plastic down to be cut into pellets once leaving the extruder. These pellets are then sold to manufacturers to create new plastic products.
Chemical recycling
Not a route we use
Three primary chemical recycling methods include pyrolysis, gasification and solvolysis. This process works by reverting plastic waste into a chemical feedstock by changing the structure of the polymeric waste, transforming it into chemical building blocks including monomers that can be repurposed. Plastic Expert does not work with processors and factory partners who use this process.
03 — Materials
Which plastics can be recycled?
You can find which material was used to create your plastic product by checking the recycling symbol on the material. Most plastic types can be recycled, including the following.
01
PET
Polyethylene terephthalate
This versatile polymer is most commonly known to make water bottles and soda containers. PET is not only lightweight and durable but also highly recyclable.
02
HDPE
High-density polyethylene
HDPE is the strong, reliable material used in everything from pipes to shampoo and milk bottles. Its durability and resistance to moisture make it a top choice for packaging.
03
PVC
Polyvinyl chloride / vinyl
PVC is a commonly used form of plastic in various applications, from cable insulation to vinyl records. Its versatility and durability make it an essential part of products across many industries.
04
LDPE
Low-density polyethylene
LDPE is the resilient material behind many everyday items like plastic bags, food packaging and agricultural film. Its lightweight nature and flexibility make it perfect for various applications.
05
PP
Polypropylene
Polypropylene is a versatile plastic found in items such as bottle caps, crates and even automotive parts. Its strength, heat resistance and lightweight properties make it a valuable material.
06
PS
Polystyrene / styrofoam
Polystyrene is a lightweight plastic used in the packaging of electronics, food containers and insulation building materials. Disposing of it safely can be difficult, which is why we offer a specialist recycling service.
07
Other
PMMA / acrylic and more
A diverse range of plastics, including PMMA and acrylic, found in clear plastic sheets, signage and optical lenses. Disposing of them improperly poses challenges due to their varied chemical compositions.
Eighteen streams
See every material we take
Nylon, ABS, HIPS, correx, wheelie bins, plastic pallets, oil tanks and more.
The exceptions
What cannot be recycled?
There are some plastics which are much more difficult to recycle.
Quite often, this is because of the way they are manufactured or how they were used.
Quite often, this is because of the way they are manufactured or how they were used.
Some food-contaminated plastics
Metallised plastic, commonly used for crisp packets
Plastics with hazardous contamination
04 — Impact
How does recycling plastic reduce emissions?
Recycled plastic saves CO2 through a reduction in virgin plastic. In fact, plastic recycling saves between 30% and 80% of the carbon emissions associated with virgin plastic. This is from a reduction in fossil fuels, extracting raw materials, and conserving energy.
When plastic waste is not recycled, a huge quantity is sent to incineration facilities and sometimes landfills. Waste sent for incineration increased by 0.1 million tonnes, or 0.5%, to 12.7 million tonnes in 2024/25 compared to 2023/24.
When we recycle our plastic waste, materials can be repurposed into new plastic products. This reduces the need for plastic production and the extraction of raw resources, further reducing harm to the planet.
05 — Outlook
The Future Of Plastic Recycling In The UK
In the UK, there are 391 different local authorities with varying waste management schemes. For businesses, it is very important that they can partner with recycling companies to increase their environmental credentials. The increased pressure for higher recycling rates is seeing the plastic industry push for innovation and the opening of more processing facilities.
With regular recycling collections, schemes such as the plastic packaging tax, and businesses building sustainable solutions, plastic recycling rates should see a steady increase in the coming years.
FAQs
Most plastic is recyclable. Well known recyclable plastics include plastic bottles and containers, plastic carrier bags, plastic film, and some types of plastic packaging. These plastics can be recycled through a mechanical process, at a licenced facilty, to minimise environmental impact.
We recycle most types of plastics at our partner recycling facilities. Plastic which cannot be recycled include materials which are heavily contaminated or even plastic items which combine several types of material.
1. Segregate the plastic waste at source using one of our industry-first picking guides.
2. Where possible, compact or bale the plastic waste. Otherwise, the plastic can be palletised for onward transport.
3. The material should be sent to a licenced recycling factory where the waste plastic is turned into pellets, granules or a flake.
To recycle plastic, it should be sorted by polymer type and clear of any contaminants. Once plastic waste is sorted by polymer type, it can then be shredded, granulated or flaked depending on the type of polymer which is being recycled.