A binman has taken to social media to criticise residents who dispose of used nappies in recycling bins, calling the practice 'selfish' and harmful to recycling efforts. In a TikTok video, user @theno1.binman expressed frustration at parents who contaminate recyclable materials with nappies, often because their general waste bins are full.
'I just don't understand people like this,' he said. 'Why would you go to the effort? You have to dig down into your recycling bin to put a dirty nappy in there. Surely it makes more sense to just put it in your general waste bin?' He suggested that if space is an issue, residents should remove recyclable items to create room in the general waste bin.
The binman noted that households now have more bins than ever, making it easier to separate waste correctly. 'You don't have to be hiding stuff - it seems like a lot of effort,' he added.
His comments sparked a debate online, with some users defending the practice. One said: 'They collect general waste every three weeks - what am I meant to do, keep them for three weeks? No thanks.' Another admitted: 'Put it in a cardboard box inside the recycling bag. Never going to get caught.' A third user made an unrelated remark about bin strikes and dog poo.
Recycle Now, the UK's national recycling campaign, has guidelines stating that nappies and other baby-related items cannot be recycled and should be placed in general waste. The binman's plea highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining recycling quality.
