A refuse collector has explained why black bin bags are routinely rejected during recycling collections, urging households to stop placing them in recycling bins.
While plastic bags can be recycled at certain collection points, filled bags are unlikely to be collected. With bin collections sometimes weeks apart, rubbish can accumulate quickly, so it is sensible to avoid anything that could lead to a bin being overlooked.
Why black bags are turned away
Ashley, who shares guidance on social media under the name No.1 Binman, said the issue is not the bags themselves but the fact that crews cannot see what is inside them. 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 added: "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."
He continued: "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 households should do 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."
If recycling is already contained in a black bin bag, Ashley suggested it could be taken to larger recycling facilities instead. Individual councils set their own regulations, so it is worth checking local guidelines.
How to recycle plastic bags properly
Recycle Now has also offered guidance, noting that plastic bags and wrapping can be recycled at some out-of-home recycling points. The key point is that bags must be empty rather than full when recycled.
All plastic bags, except 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 widely accepted at home. Major supermarkets take baby and pet food pouches, detergent and cleaning pouches, cling film, crisp packets, sweet bags, bubble wrap, plastic film lids and biscuit wrapping.
