A refuse collector has issued a stark warning to households: if you put garden waste in your food waste caddy, your rubbish may not be collected. The advice comes from a binman known as The No1 Binman on TikTok, who has seen many people making this mistake.
What Cannot Go in the Food Waste Caddy?
The binman explained that many households are confusing garden waste with food waste. He said: "So many people are getting this confused, and I don't understand why. Garden waste is not food waste. You get your grass cuttings. Do not put them in your food waste caddy. Garden trimmings, grass trimmings. They go in your compost bin, not your food waste bin."
He added that branches, flowers, and similar items are also not permitted. "So, if it's not the items it says it's listed down as, do not put it in there. That goes for flowers also - not food waste. Do not put them in there. It goes in the garden waste. If you don't have the garden waste, take it to the tip. Compost it yourself - either way, absolutely fine. Just don't put it in your food caddy. Otherwise, it'll get left, especially if it's mixed with your food. You're going to then have to sort it."
Why Is This a Problem?
Food waste is typically sent for anaerobic digestion, while garden waste is composted. Mixing the two can contaminate the recycling process, leading to rejection by collection crews. Although some areas allow mixed "green" waste, most dedicated food caddies prohibit garden waste, and garden bins often forbid food waste.
Can Binmen Refuse to Take Your Bins?
Yes, binmen can decline to collect your rubbish if it violates local council regulations. Common reasons include an open lid, excessive weight, contaminated recycling (such as food in paper bins), side waste (bags placed beside the bin), incorrect items, or putting the bin out too late. Garden waste in the food caddy is a frequent cause of rejection.
How to Get It Right
In most areas, food waste belongs in small indoor or outdoor caddies, while garden waste goes into a separate, larger bin. However, regulations can vary between councils. If unsure, check your local council's website to confirm what is permitted. Following these rules will help ensure your bins are collected and avoid the inconvenience of rubbish buildup.
