Skip to main content
  1. Re-Cycle
  2. Plastic
  3. How to Recycle Plastic Wrap and Dry Cleaning Film
How to Recycle Plastic Wrap and Dry Cleaning Film

How to Recycle Plastic Wrap and Dry Cleaning Film

Updated 5 March 2018 04:35 PM
Plastic wrap (cling wrap) and film is generally not collected in council curbside bins in Australia as it can get stuck in processing equipment.

Plastic wrap and film and other soft plastics are recyclable however and can be dropped off at your local supermarket soft plastic recycle bin. It does however need to be clean, so anything with food scraps left on it, is not going to be acceptable. You can also drop off the thin plastic that covers your dry cleaning.

Clean cling wrap free of food residue can be recycled in the Coles soft plastic recycle bin.

If you are a business and have a lot of plastic film or wrap, SITA Australia does accept shrink wrap, bubble wrap and shopping bags. They can bag and bale these for processing through their dedicated recycling facilities. 

Something incorrect here? Suggest an update below:
ekko.world
Science Notes
Cling wrap is made from a thin plastic film of PVC or low density polyethylene. 

The way is is created and the additives it contains means that it can contain potentially dangerous chemicals, especially when heated. It is much safer to heat food in a microwave-safe container with a lid or, better still, in the oven or on your stove top. Don't use dry cleaning plastic bags to cover food.

Related Tip
Use containers (preferably glass) with lids to store leftover food in the fridge.  If you must use something disposable to cover food, use aluminium foil instead of plastic cling wrap. Aluminium foil is recyclable, goes into your recycle bin and doesn't contain harmful chemicals which may leech into foods as some cling wrap does.

Go nude to school or work. Increasing numbers of schools are encouraging Nude Food. Nude food simply means placing food into reusable containers each day instead of wrapping it. 

Find a Recycler