Recycling aluminium foil and takeaway trays
Prepare kitchen foil and foil trays, and avoid confusing shiny plastic wrappers with aluminium.
Check the material first
Not every shiny packet is foil. A wrapper that springs open after scrunching may be metallised plastic rather than aluminium. Read the packaging instructions and use a soft-plastics route only if that scheme accepts it.
Remove the leftovers
Empty takeaway trays and wipe or rinse away food residue. You do not need to run a separate full bowl of hot water for one tray: use leftover washing-up water. Separate a cardboard or plastic lid.
Make small foil pieces easier to sort
Scrunch clean pieces of kitchen foil together into a larger ball. Keep them out of a bag of mixed rubbish. Follow your council’s instructions for its metal packaging bin or box.
When it does not belong in recycling
Do not add heavily food-covered foil, plastic-lined wrappers or chemical-contaminated material just because they look metallic. Check an unusual item with the collector rather than hiding it inside a can.
See plastic bags and wrapping and food waste caddies.
Spotted something wrong or out of date? Tell us and we will check it.
More guides
Garden waste: compost, council bin or collection?
Choose a route for grass, branches and garden clear-outs, and understand why soil, rubble and fencing need a separate conversation.
Old electrical items: recycling and retailer take-back
Find a suitable route for a broken kettle, television, computer or other electrical item without putting it in the general rubbish.
Batteries and rechargeable devices: where to recycle them
Keep loose batteries and battery-powered products out of ordinary waste, and know when to ask for a specialist route.
Fridge and freezer disposal: what to arrange
Compare retailer take-back, council collections and private collection for an unwanted fridge or freezer, with a practical booking checklist.