A binman has revealed why recycling bins are often left uncollected if they contain black bin bags, urging households not to place any recycling in plastic bags — especially black ones.
Ashley, who shares tips on his No.1 Binman account, said: "The main reason we do not accept black bags in your recycling bin is that we don't know what's in them." He explained that some bin lorries cannot take black bin bags as they can clog up the machine, but it is more likely that refuse collectors simply don't know what is inside.
Why black bin bags are refused
Putting incorrect items in the recycling bin means it won't be collected. If rubbish is in a black bin bag, it is assumed to be non-recyclable. The binman said: "Black bin bags, we can't see through them and we're not going to open them and rummage through them. 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."
Instead, households should place their items loosely in the bin. This allows collectors to see what has been placed and sort them properly.
New recycling rules for England
In March, new rules came into force for recycling across England. All local authorities in England must, by law, collect food waste from kerbsides weekly as part of the Simpler Recycling reforms. The government's scheme aims to increase recycling rates and reduce waste going to landfill or incineration. Collected waste is taken to anaerobic digestion facilities, where it is transformed into renewable energy and fertiliser.
Some councils have delayed the rollout, so new bins have not arrived for everyone. Where food waste bins are in place, only specific items should be placed inside. Waste collectors must now, as standard, collect different categories of waste separately: food and garden waste; paper and card; all other dry recyclable materials (glass, metal and plastic, including cartons); and residual waste (non-recyclable waste sent for energy recovery or landfill).
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said: "We are ending the bin collections postcode lottery and making it easier for people to recycle wherever they live. Simplifying these rules will cut out carbon, clean up our streets, and help bring pride back into our communities. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with local areas to deliver these changes and ensure there's more recycled content in the products we buy."
