A refuse collector has explained why black bin bags are frequently rejected during recycling collections, urging households to stop using them. Ashley, who shares advice on social media as No. 1 Binman, said the main issue is visibility: “We don't know what's in them... Black bin bags, we can't see through them, and we're not going to open them and rummage through them.”
Why Black Bags Are Rejected
Because collectors cannot see the contents, black bags are considered contaminated. This can result in entire bins being left behind during collection. Ashley advised households to put recycling items in loose without any bags: “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.”
What to Do With Black Bags
For those with recycling already in black bags, Ashley suggested taking them to larger recycling facilities instead. Recycle Now confirms that plastic bags can be recycled at certain collection points, but they must be empty when recycled. Major supermarkets accept various types including crisp packets, sweet bags and bubble wrap.
The advice comes as bin collections can be weeks apart, making it essential to avoid anything that might result in bins being rejected.
