An experienced refuse collector has warned that polystyrene should never be placed in recycling bins, despite being made of plastic. Ignoring this advice could result in bins being left unemptied by waste collection teams.
Why Polystyrene Doesn't Belong in Recycling
Ashley, known on social media as @theno1.binman, has more than 13 years in waste management. He regularly advises followers on correct disposal methods. Responding to a comment asking, "What's wrong with polystyrene being in a bin? Where else is it supposed to go?" he clarified: "There's nothing wrong with polystyrene going in the bin, as long as it's the correct bin."
Polystyrene is a synthetic thermoplastic made from styrene monomers. It comes in solid forms, like CD cases and disposable cutlery, and expanded foam (Styrofoam), valued for its lightweight cushioning. Ashley explained that being plastic does not mean it is recyclable: "It's not recyclable," so it must be processed differently.
Common Mistakes and Correct Disposal
Some people place polystyrene in the paper bin, reasoning that "it comes with cardboard, so it must go in the paper bin." Ashley dismissed this: "No, it doesn't." He instructed: "You can put it in your general waste bin. That is the correct bin to put it in. Some councils let you put it in a bag next to the general waste bin, but check with your council, because not all councils allow that. Some of them used to, and then changed over."
He confirmed that polystyrene can go in general waste for most councils, but added that if a council operates differently, he would be keen to hear about it. Ashley concluded: "Otherwise, you have to go to a hardware store, and some of them take polystyrene there, but yes, [put it in your] general waste bin only for most councils."
Public Reactions and Additional Advice
In the comments, one viewer wrote: "To be fair, it has to be bagged up in the normal waste bin otherwise it just gets thrown all over the street when it's emptied." Another added: "In a black bin bag and in the normal bin at the bottom." One woman commented: "Where I am, we can't even put it in our general waste; we have to get rid of it ourselves." She did not reveal her location.
Ashley advises checking with your local council before disposing of any polystyrene, as rules vary.
