A binman with 13 years of experience has issued a clear warning: plastic hangers should not go in your recycling bin. Ashley, who shares rubbish tips on social media as @theno1.binman, addressed a follower's question about whether plastic hangers can be recycled.
Why Plastic Hangers Are Not Recyclable
Ashley explained that plastic hangers are made from a hard plastic, which is different from the plastic used in bottles and containers. 'They shouldn't be in there, they should be in your general waste bin,' he said. He noted that while 'some people do' put them in recycling, it's not correct.
For working hangers, Ashley suggests donating them to a charity shop, saying 'I'm sure they'll take them.' Alternatively, he advises returning unwanted hangers at store checkouts, such as Primark or Matalan, by simply saying 'I don't want the hanger.' This way, you avoid the hassle of disposal. Broken hangers should go in your general waste bin.
Wooden Hangers and Other Recycling Rules
Wooden hangers also belong in general waste, according to Ashley. He mentioned that some recycling centres may have a separate section for them, but urged people to 'check with your local council because every council is different.'
Ashley also warned against putting polystyrene in recycling bins. This synthetic plastic, made from petroleum-based styrene monomers, cannot be recycled and must be removed before recycling cardboard or plastic packaging.
Items that can go in green bins include dry paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, tubs, pots, drink cans, empty aerosols, glass bottles, and jars. Ashley criticised those who put vapes and batteries in recycling, calling them 'Karens'.
Fire Risk from Binned Vapes
Recycle Your Electricals issued a warning about the dangers of disposing of electricals with hidden batteries, like vapes. 'When electricals containing hidden batteries like vapes are binned, they can get crushed or damaged and spark dangerous fires in bin lorries and recycling centres,' the organisation said. Last year, there were over 1,200 fires across the UK caused by binned vapes and electricals.
