A binman with over 13 years of experience in waste collection has issued a clear warning: polystyrene should never be placed in recycling bins, even though it is a plastic. Ashley, known online as @theno1.binman, shared his advice with his 149,000 followers on social media, stressing that putting polystyrene in the wrong bin can lead to bins being ignored by refuse collectors.
Why Polystyrene Cannot Be Recycled
Polystyrene is a synthetic thermoplastic made from styrene monomers. It comes in two main forms: rigid transparent plastic used for items like CD cases and disposable cutlery, and expanded foam (often called Styrofoam) used for packaging. Despite being plastic, Ashley explained that it is not recyclable plastic. "Just because it's plastic, it doesn't mean it should go in the plastic bin," he said. "It's not recyclable plastic."
The Correct Bin for Polystyrene
Ashley addressed a comment asking where polystyrene should go. He stated: "There's nothing wrong with polystyrene going in the bin, as long as it's the correct bin." He clarified that it should go in the general waste bin, not the recycling or paper bin. Some people mistakenly put it in the paper bin because it often comes with cardboard packaging. "No, it doesn't," Ashley fumed. "You can put it in your general waste bin. That is the correct bin to put it in."
He added that some councils allow placing it in a bag next to the general waste bin, but this varies. "Check with your council, because not all councils allow that. Some of them used to, and then changed over."
Alternative Disposal Options
Ashley noted that some hardware stores accept polystyrene for recycling, but the default for most councils is the general waste bin. He concluded: "Otherwise, you have to go to a hardware store, and some of them take polystyrene there, but yes, [put it in your] general waste bin only for most councils."
Public Reactions
In the comments, one user wrote: "To be fair, it has to be bagged up in the normal waste bin otherwise it just gets thrown all over the street when it's emptied." Another added: "In a black bin bag and in the normal bin at the bottom." A woman commented: "Where I am, we can't even put it in our general waste, we have to get rid of it ourselves." This highlights the importance of checking local regulations.
Ashley's advice serves as a reminder that not all plastics are recyclable, and proper disposal helps avoid mess and ensure bins are collected.
