General Waste Food Packaging: The Challenge of Non-Recyclables
In the hospitality and food service industry, packaging plays a crucial role in preserving freshness, ensuring food safety, and providing convenience. However, not all food packaging materials can be recycled or composted.
A significant portion still falls into the category of general waste food packaging—items that must be disposed of in landfill or through incineration because they cannot be processed by kerbside recycling or composting systems. This presents both environmental and operational challenges for businesses seeking to reduce their waste footprint.
What is General Waste Food Packaging?
General waste food packaging refers to any packaging that cannot be widely recycled, reused, or composted through standard waste management systems. Often, these materials are made from complex composites, non-recyclable plastics, or items contaminated with food residue.
Unlike recyclable or compostable packaging, general waste does not re-enter a circular system and instead contributes to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions when discarded.
General waste food packaging refers to packaging items that cannot be recycled or composted through kerbside or specialist collections.
These materials usually end up in landfill or incineration, often because they are contaminated with food, made from mixed layers, or composed of substances that don’t break down safely.
Commonly made from mixed materials or contaminated with food, it’s unsuitable for other waste streams.
Unlike recyclable or compostable packaging, general waste does not re-enter a circular system and instead contributes to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions when discarded.
Implications of General Waste Food Packaging for Businesses
Reliance on general waste packaging increases disposal costs and undermines sustainability efforts. Customers are increasingly aware of waste issues, and visible use of non-recyclable materials can negatively impact brand perception.
Furthermore, with regulations tightening around single-use plastics and waste reduction, businesses may face compliance challenges if they fail to transition away from non-recyclables.
Common general waste materials used for food packaging
- Polystyrene foam containers
- Multi‑layer foil/plastic pouches
- Coated paperboard (e.g. ice cream tubs)
- Food‑soiled packaging
General Waste Food Packaging FAQs
Some materials are too contaminated with food, made from unrecyclable multi-layer plastics, or have coatings that block recycling and composting processes.
If it’s greasy, stained, made of polystyrene (like foam takeout boxes), or a plastic wrapper you can’t peel into clean parts, it belongs in general waste, not recycling or compost bins.
It usually ends up in landfill or is incinerated for energy recovery. In a landfill, some organic components may degrade slowly, but plastics may not break down at all.
Yes — many materials stay in the environment for decades, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, and can't be turned into new materials.
If your area lacks compost or separate collection for these types, they must be placed in general waste. Placing compostables in recycling bins can cause contamination.
If you are unable to compost these products, they are suitable for general waste where they can break down in landfill.
Absolutely. By choosing more recyclable, compostable, or reusable packaging, and ensuring proper source separation, businesses can minimize general waste.
It's typically found in fast-food wrappers, polystyrene takeaway containers, food trays, plastic films, and laminated paper that isn’t recyclable or compostable.
- Reduces disposal costs
- Improves sustainability credentials
- Helps meet waste reduction targets
Certainly! If you would like to test our products before making a purchase, we can provide samples for you to evaluate. Please reach out to us via phone at +44(0)20 3006 2432, Whatsapp or email info@packagingenvironmental.co.uk. Our team will be happy to assist you and send the samples to you within a few days.