Plastic Fantastic? What to Do with the Tub, the Tray, and the Thing That’s Probably a Yoghurt Lid

 


Plastic Fantastic? What to Do with the Tub, the Tray, and the Thing That’s Probably a Yoghurt Lid

(And Why Recycling Shouldn’t Feel Like a Game of Guess Who?)

Plastic is everywhere. It holds our food, wraps our deliveries, cushions our electronics, and mysteriously multiplies in that one drawer everyone has in the kitchen.

But when it’s time to throw it out — suddenly you’re in a high-stakes quiz:
“Can I recycle this?”
“Should the lid go in too?”
“Is this clingfilm or... modern art?”

Welcome to the chaotic world of plastic recycling in the UK. Let’s make some sense of it — tub by tray by lid.

🥣 Tubs and Pots (The Yoghurt Ones)

These are usually made from thermoplastics (like polypropylene), and are often recyclable — but only if:

  • You rinse them (the council doesn’t want your leftover tzatziki).

  • You check your local council’s rules (some are picky).

  • You remove the foil lid — which may need to go separately (and yes, it probably has to be clean too).

✅ Clean plastic yogurt pots: usually recyclable
❌ Foil lids covered in food: not so much

🍽️ Plastic Trays (Ready Meals and Biscuits)

Ah, the mystery meat of the recycling world.

  • Clear PET trays? Often recyclable.

  • Black plastic trays? Frequently not recyclable — many UK recycling systems can’t see them.

  • Coloured or multi-layer trays? Sometimes, but check locally.

👀 Top tip: If it crinkles, it’s probably not recyclable.

🧃 Lids, Tops and Seals (Yoghurt & Beyond)

This is where things get weird:

  • Plastic lids on drink bottles? Usually recyclable — leave them on.

  • Soft lids (like from cream pots)? Often not accepted — check!

  • Foil seals? If clean and crumpled into a ball the size of a golf ball — sometimes okay.

🧠 Rule of thumb: If it’s smaller than a credit card and not attached — it may fall through machinery.

❌ What Can’t Go in Most Plastic Recycling?

  • Clingfilm and carrier bags

  • Plastic cutlery and straws

  • Polystyrene trays and packaging peanuts

  • “Compostable” plastics (they’re not recyclable either!)

These need separate collection schemes or… sadly… go in the bin.

✅ What Can You Do?

  1. Check your council’s A–Z list – seriously, they often have one online.

  2. Rinse containers before recycling – a quick swish is enough.

  3. Don’t bag recyclables – loose in the bin!

  4. Avoid tricky plastics in the first place – shop smarter where possible.

  5. Reuse pots for seedlings, crafts, spare screws or snacks – especially the stackable ones.

🗨️ “If recycling plastic feels confusing, it’s not you — it’s the system.”

♻️ Final Thought: Reduce First, Recycle Second

Yes, we can’t avoid plastic completely. But we can:

  • Buy in bulk to reduce packaging

  • Choose glass or card alternatives

  • Support businesses with proper return or refill schemes

Recycling is great. But refusing and reducing? Even better.

In the end, the best thing to do with your yoghurt pot… might just be to not buy yoghurt in plastic at all. Why not make your own - its heathier.

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