A binman has shared a common mistake that many people make when it comes to recycling, which can lead to your waste not being collected. Ashley, known on social media as @theno1.binman, posted a light-hearted video explaining that carrier bags should never be placed in your household recycling bin.
The Problem with Plastic Bags
Plastic carrier bags and other 'soft' plastics, such as bread bags, cling film, and bubble wrap, are typically not accepted in kerbside recycling collections. They create serious technical and operational challenges at recycling plants. The London Borough of Hounslow explains that 'They tangle in the machinery and cause costly delays.' The thin, flexible nature of plastic bags means they become entangled around rotating screens, conveyor belts, and sorting wheels at Materials Recovery Facilities. This frequently forces staff to halt production to cut the bags free with sharp knives, creating safety hazards and disruptions that prove extremely expensive.
Why Bags Don't Get Sorted
Standard recycling facilities are built to separate rigid items such as bottles, tubs, and jars. Plastic bags are too light and thin to be properly sorted by this machinery. When bags get mixed with other recyclables, they contaminate paper and card bales, rendering them worthless.
What to Do Instead
Ashley urged homeowners not to 'be so hard on yourself' if they have made this mistake, as it is a common blunder. Instead, he encouraged people to acknowledge the error and correct it going forward. Plastic bags should be taken to designated recycling points, often located at supermarkets, or reused repeatedly.
In the comments, one user simply wrote 'noooooo,' likely because they had been guilty of making the same mistake. The message is clear: keep plastic bags out of your recycling bin to avoid frustration and help recycling plants run smoothly.
