Can you recycle compostable and biodegradable plastics?
General waste in most areas — not the recycling, not usually the food caddy
'Compostable' PLA cups, bags and food packaging are a disposal trap: they contaminate plastic recycling (different polymer), and most council food/garden waste processors reject them because they don't break down fast enough — so they usually belong in general waste. Only put compostable caddy liners in food waste if your council explicitly approves them (look for EN 13432 and your council's liner list). Home-compostable certified items can go in your own compost bin.
Tips
- Check your council's approved caddy-liner list
- 'Biodegradable' on the label means almost nothing for disposal
- Never put PLA in plastic recycling
Which bin does it go in?
General waste in most areas — not the recycling, not usually the food caddy
Before throwing it away, see reuse, repair and donation routes.
Background: Plastic numbers 1–7 explained.
Also searched as: PLA cups, biodegradable bags, compostable packaging, vegware.
✓ Checked against current UK guidance: 14 Jul 2026. Spot an error or an out-of-date rule?