Somerset’s Pringles poppers can now recycle their empty tubes from the kerbside thanks to new style design that finally stacks up.
Packaging for the popular snack has long been a thorn in the side of crisp-loving recyclers because of its metal base built into the carboard tube.
The new tube is now mainly paper-based and no longer has a metal base – making it easier for reprocessors to recycle.
The tube should be placed in the black box with cardboard, while the plastic lid can go in the reusable bright blue bag with other plastics. The seal remains unrecyclable and should be put in the general rubbish bin.
The change only applies to new Pringles packaging and residents should check if their tubes have a metal or paper-based base. If it is the old Pringles packaging then this needs to be put in the general rubbish bin, please do not put this in your recycling.
Shoppers buying similar snacks in cardboard tubes made by brands other than Pringles should check if it can be recycled and dispose of it appropriately.
At this time, other similar style tubes and tubs, like those used for things like hot chocolate and cocoa, can’t be collected for recycling from home due to the mixed materials they are made from.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Executive Member for Transport and Waste Services, said:
How packaging can be recycled must be built in at the design stage, and this is exactly the sort of change we need to see from manufacturers.
It’s always great to reduce the amount of packaging being thrown into our bins. Our recycling rate is above the average for England, but there’s always more we can do.
Next time you’ve finished a tube of pringles, remember to check that it’s got the cardboard base and add the tube to your black box and lid to the bright blue bag for recycling.
Residents can check online for details of what items can be collected from the kerbside via the Council’s Recycling collections page.
