A binman has shared why refuse collectors often leave black bin bags behind when collecting recycling. The refuse collector, Ashley, who posts on social media as the No.1 Binman, urged households to stop putting plastic bags in the recycling bin.
Why black bin bags are refused
Ashley 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."
He 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."
Contamination risk
Workers cannot see the contents, so the bags are considered contaminated. "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," Ashley said.
Instead, he urged: "Put it all in loose. Do not put anything in a bag in your recycling bin because it has got a chance of being contaminatied and they won't take it. Then you have got to deal with it."
Alternative recycling options
If residents do have recycling in a black bin bag, Ashley said it can be taken to large recycling points. Recycling Now also issued guidance on recycling plastic bags, noting that the bags should be empty and not filled before being recycled.
Recycle Now said: "Plastic bags and wrapping can be recycled at some out of home recycling points." They added that all plastic bags except biodegradable or compostable bags can be recycled. Commonly recyclable items include bread bags, breakfast cereal liners, delivery bags, dry cleaning bags, frozen food bags, toilet roll wrapping and multi-pack wrapping.
Major supermarkets will accept baby food pouches, pet food pouches, detergent and cleaning pouches, cling film, crisp packets, sweet bags, bubble wrap, plastic film lids and biscuit wrapping.
Local councils set their own bin rules, so residents should check what applies in their area.
