Can you recycle plastic plant pots?
Some kerbside; garden centre take-back; taupe pots recycle better than black
Plastic plant pots vary: many councils accept rigid plant pots in kerbside recycling if clean, others refuse them because of soil contamination and black plastic. Knock out all compost first. Many garden centres (including Dobbies and some B&Q/Homebase) run pot take-back and reuse schemes — and taupe/coloured pots are more recyclable than black ones.
Tips
- Knock soil out — dirty pots are contamination
- Garden centres and allotments will often reuse them
- Check your council's A-Z for 'plant pots'
Which bin does it go in?
Some kerbside; garden centre take-back; taupe pots recycle better than black Exact rules depend on your council — check its website or look up your postcode below.
Councils can use different containers and accepted-item lists.
Background: Plastic numbers 1–7 explained.
Also searched as: flower pots, seed trays, bedding trays.
✓ Checked against current UK guidance: 14 Jul 2026. Spot an error or an out-of-date rule?