A refuse collector has explained why black bin bags are frequently rejected during recycling collections. Ashley, who shares content on social media as the No.1 Binman, revealed the main reason: workers cannot see what is inside the bags.
Why black bags are not accepted
Ashley said: "Black bags is not the problem, some places just do not want to take them because they clog up the machines. But the main reason we do not accept black bags in your recycling bin is that we don't know what's in them."
He added: "We have no idea if you put your rubbish in it, put it in the wrong bin by mistake or someone else has put rubbish in your bin. Black bin bags, we can't see through them and we're not going to open them and rummage through them."
Because the contents are hidden, the binman said the bag is treated as contaminated: "We can't see it, so it is contaminated. We have no idea what's in your bin. That's why it is easier to save the money and don't buy black bags for your recycling bin."
What to do instead
Ashley urged residents to put recycling loose in the bin: "Put it all in loose. Do not put anything in a bag in your recycling bin because it has got a chance of being contaminated and they won't take it. Then you have got to deal with it."
For those who still use black bags, he noted they can be taken to larger recycling points.
Plastic bag recycling advice
Recycle Now advises that plastic bags and wrapping can be recycled at some out-of-home recycling points, but they must be empty and unfilled. The organisation said: "Plastic bags and wrapping can be recycled at some out of home recycling points."
All plastic bags except biodegradable or compostable varieties are suitable for recycling. Common items that can be recycled at home include bread bags, breakfast cereal liners, delivery bags, dry cleaning bags, frozen food bags, toilet roll wrapping and multi-pack wrapping. Major supermarkets also accept baby and pet food pouches, detergent and cleaning pouches, cling film, crisp packets, sweet bags, bubble wrap, plastic film lids and biscuit wrapping.
