A waste collection worker has explained why black bin bags are regularly refused during recycling rounds. The binman has called on households to stop putting the plastic sacks in their recycling bins for a simple reason.
While plastic bags can be recycled at specific drop-off locations, filled bags are seldom collected. This can be especially frustrating, considering that bin collections may be several weeks apart. Rubbish accumulates quickly, so it's always sensible to steer clear of anything that could lead to your bin being overlooked. Each council establishes its own regulations, so it's advisable to verify the requirements in your locality.
Why black bags are rejected
Ashley, who posts guidance on TikTok as No.1 Binman, has explained why black bin bags are rejected from recycling collections. He explained: "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."
Ashley continued: "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. 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."
What to do instead
Instead, the refuse collector advised: "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."
For those with recycling stored inside a black bin bag, Ashley suggested taking it to larger recycling facilities as an alternative.
How to recycle plastic bags properly
Recycle Now has likewise offered guidance on how to recycle plastic bags properly. The most important factor is that the bags must be empty rather than full when being recycled. It said: "Plastic bags and wrapping can be recycled at some out of home recycling points."
Recycle Now notes that all plastic bags, with the exception of biodegradable or compostable varieties, are suitable for recycling. Bread bags, breakfast cereal liners, delivery bags, dry cleaning bags, frozen food bags, toilet roll wrapping and multi-pack wrapping are amongst those widely accepted for recycling at home.
Major supermarkets will accept baby and pet food, detergent and cleaning pouches, as well as cling film, crisp packets, sweet bags, bubble wrap, plastic film lids, and biscuit wrapping.
