A refuse collector has explained why black bin bags are frequently rejected during recycling collections, urging households to stop using them for recyclable waste.
Why black bags are refused
According to Ashley, a binman who shares advice on social media as No. 1 Binman, the primary reason is that workers cannot see through the bags. “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 said.
He added that even if the bags contain only recyclables, the risk of contamination from unknown items is too high. “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.”
How to recycle correctly
Ashley advises 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,” he explained.
If recycling is already contained in a black bag, he suggests taking it to a larger recycling facility that may accept bagged materials.
Plastic bag recycling
Recycle Now, a recycling guidance organisation, notes that plastic bags and wrapping can be recycled at some out-of-home collection points, but the bags must be empty. Acceptable items 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 pouches, cling film, crisp packets, sweet bags, bubble wrap, plastic film lids, and biscuit wrapping.
Individual councils set their own rules, so residents are advised to check local guidelines to avoid having recycling left behind.
