A binman has clarified which bin polystyrene belongs in, revealing it is one of the most frequently confused items for households. The material is widely used in packaging due to its lightweight and durable properties, and is also commonly used as a food container and building insulation.
Most homes generate a considerable amount of waste each week, with many residents eager to recycle wherever possible. However, knowing which items belong in which bins can be confusing. The majority of households have a general waste bin and a recycling bin, though rules and bin types can differ depending on the local council.
It is always advisable to check with your local authority regarding their particular guidelines. Placing the wrong items in the wrong bins risks your waste not being collected at all.
Polystyrene Is Not Recyclable in Household Waste
Polystyrene is frequently assumed to be recyclable, much like other packaging materials such as cardboard or certain plastics. However, one binman has cautioned against placing it in your recycling bin, warning it will be left uncollected.
Binman Ashley, who posts as The No1 Binman on TikTok, said: "So many people put polystyrene in [the recycling bin], polystyrene is not recyclable in your household waste." He added: "Unless your council is different, let me know if it is, but I'm sure it isn't."
Common Mistakes with Cardboard Boxes
Ashley highlighted a common issue: people placing cardboard boxes stuffed with additional packaging materials directly into the recycling bin. He explained: "Just because it is cardboard, doesn't mean that everything inside it turns to cardboard. Please take out all the non-recyclables, polystyrene, and plastics that come in the box."
He advised: "Then you can put it [cardboard box] in the bin, and it will be collected. Make sure you break down your boxes, and you will have more room inside your bin to put more stuff in."
Consequences of Incorrect Disposal
Ashley cautioned: "This is an easy fix. Don't get caught doing it because if your bin gets rejected, you're the one who has to sort it out. You'll have to wait two to three weeks before your bin is collected again."
Official Advice from Recycle Now and London Recycles
Recycle Now has also issued advice regarding polystyrene disposal. It stated: "Polystyrene is a type of plastic which is not commonly recycled and should be placed in the waste bin." The organisation noted that expanded polystyrene is sometimes used for take-away food containers and to package white goods like microwaves, and is also sometimes used for other food packaging like multi-pack yoghurts.
London Recycles highlighted that polystyrene is often not recycled due to the challenges of separating it from other plastic waste. It can also fragment into tiny beads that block sorting machinery and cause significant damage. It further advised: "Try and avoid buying food and drink which comes in polystyrene. If you can't, put the containers in your rubbish bin."
