A refuse collector has explained why bins with open lids are sometimes left unemptied, citing risks of damage to the bin and mess caused during collection. Ashley, known on social media as The No 1 Binman, regularly shares insights into his daily work collecting rubbish and recycling, along with tips to ensure bins are collected without issue.
In a recent video, Ashley responded to a comment complaining that refuse workers will not collect bins if the lid is open. He confirmed the practice, explaining that an open lid can cause the bin to get damaged or even sucked into the back of the bin lorry if it becomes trapped.
Why Open Lids Cause Problems
Ashley said: "Yes, that's absolutely right. Because the bin could get damaged, or sucked into the back of the bin lorry because it gets trapped in the lid and pulls the bin in." He added that overfilled bins with open lids can lead to rubbish spilling onto the floor as workers try to move them.
He continued: "There are many reasons why we don't take the bins. And we're just told not to, so we're just following instructions." He noted that workers face blame regardless of their actions, saying: "If we move the bin, you're gonna blame us for making a mess. If we tip the bin and the bin goes in the back, you're gonna blame us. And if we don't tip the bin, you're still gonna blame us. So no matter what we do, we cannot win. But that's the life of being a bin man."
Concluding, he said: "Just please let me know what you want me to do. So if you don't mind paying out for a new bin every single time, then, you know, tell your, bin man. Alright, have a lovely day."
Recycling Bin Guidance
Ashley, who has 211,000 followers on TikTok and describes himself as "the UK's no1 BINfluencer", also provides advice on what items belong in recycling bins. In a previous video, he said: "Crisp packets do not belong in your recycling bin. You're meant to take them to the supermarket and recycle them there, because it's a different type of plastic."
He added: "Just like carrier bags, just like film, bubble wrap - all that stuff does not go in your recycling. Take it to the tip, they can sometimes dispose of it there differently, or take it to a supermarket." He also mentioned polystyrene, saying it takes up too much room and costs too much to recycle because it is mostly air.
He advised: "Please check before you put it in your bin. Normally, it's like tins and bottles. Easy things to put in the recycling. Please check before you do it because you don't want your bin to be contaminated. Don't be the person who gets their bin rejected when you want it to be emptied."
