A binman known as The No.1 Binman has warned households not to place polystyrene in their recycling bins. In a TikTok video, he said the material cannot be recycled and could cause a household's bin collection to be refused altogether.
Polystyrene is commonly used in packaging boxes to protect fragile items during delivery. It fills gaps inside the box and stops delicate goods from being damaged. However, it is not recyclable and must be placed in general waste instead.
In the video, Ashley – whose account is called The No.1 Binman – lip-synced to the Dua Lipa track IDGAF, captioned: "When Karen tries to hide the polystyrene in her recycling bin."
'Goes in the black bin'
Many viewers noted that polystyrene can simply go in the general waste bin, often referred to as the black bin. One person wrote: "I checked on my council site, and they said you can put it in your black bin as it can't go out with recycling." Another added: "That's why I put it in the black bin!"
Some commenters argued that because bin collections are funded through council tax, binmen should take rubbish no matter what is inside. But each bin type is processed differently, and that is not how the system works.
Vapes also banned from bins
The same binman has also warned about a common item that could stop general waste from being collected. He said binmen will refuse to take a bin that contains a vape. Vapes are classed as both battery waste and electrical waste, making them hazardous for standard household rubbish. They contain electronic components and are classified in many areas as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), requiring separate disposal. Disposable vapes were banned from sale in the UK in June.
Standard recycling bin guide
Most UK councils follow a colour-coded system, but residents should check local guidelines as rules vary by area. A standard guide includes:
- Mixed recycling (blue or green bins): Accepts cardboard, newspapers, magazines, empty plastic bottles, food/drink cans, and glass bottles or jars. Does not accept crisp packets, soft plastic film, or polystyrene.
- Food waste (brown bins or kitchen caddy): Accepts fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, bones, teabags, and eggshells.
- Garden waste (brown or green bins): Accepts grass cuttings, weeds, flowers, and small branches.
