Is the widget in a Guinness can recyclable?

The Guinness widget, found inside cans of Guinness, is a small plastic capsule that helps create the beer’s signature smooth head when poured. While the can itself is widely recyclable, the widget is typically made from plastic that is not easily separated during standard recycling processes. As a result, although the aluminium can is recyclable, the widget often ends up as waste. However, some recycling facilities are improving their ability to handle mixed materials, so sustainability efforts around packaging like this are gradually evolving.

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 31 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 27th February 2025.

While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.

These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

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