A binman has answered whether supermarket carrier bags and plastic bags can be recycled – and the correct way to dispose of them.
Most homes probably have numerous supermarket carrier bags stored away. They're considerably more robust than they once were, with these 'bags for life' designed for multiple uses.
Nevertheless, if you've accumulated too many or yours have survived one shopping expedition too many, you may be questioning how to dispose of them properly. Recycling rules underwent modifications earlier this year when the Simpler Recycling regulations came into force.
With increasing confusion about household recycling guidance, one refuse collector on social media is answering your queries. 'Binfluencer' No1 Binman on TikTok has built a following of over 170,000 through his useful guidance on managing collection day. Recently, somebody asked about Tesco bags and whether they can be recycled.
Households in England now must follow the new Simpler Recycling rules. They said: "Can someone settle a debate for me. Tesco bags, are they recyclable? Says on them they are, but it doesn't feel right."
In brief, the binman verified that carrier bags are certainly recyclable - although the procedure isn't simple. He clarifies they cannot be placed in any household recycling receptacles.
If you want to recycle them, you can take them back to the supermarket, where they ought to accept them for recycling. The explanation for keeping them out of household bins is that they can block equipment at recycling plants, which he observes 'won't make them very happy'.
The best disposal approach is to put them in your standard waste bin or to keep using them as designed.
Can you recycle paper bags?
Separate rules apply to paper carrier bags. Experts at Best Pac UK said: "The great news for the environment is that yes, paper bags can be recycled, but only if they're actually made from paper."
Whilst most plastic bags, for example, are not recyclable, almost all types of paper bags can be recycled, helping to reduce the amount of plastic landfill sitting on the earth and polluting our oceans.
The sole exception is laminated paper bags, which have an extra plastic film layer added to the paper and are commonly used to line bags for food items and perishable products. Because of this lamination process, these specific bags cannot be recycled.
