A binman has explained a common reason why recycling bins are left uncollected: the use of black bin bags. Ashley, who runs the No.1 Binman account, said that black bags prevent refuse collectors from seeing the contents, leading them to assume the bin is contaminated.
“We can’t see through them and we’re not going to open them and rummage through them,” he said. “Black bin bags, we can’t see through them... so it is contaminated.” He advised households to place recyclable items loosely in the bin so collectors can see and sort them properly.
Local authorities set their own rules, but many reject recycling bins containing black bags. Some lorries also cannot process black bags as they can clog machinery. Ashley urged people not to buy black bags for recycling bins to avoid the risk of non-collection.
In March, new regulations under the Simpler Recycling scheme came into force across England. All councils must now collect food waste weekly from kerbsides. The waste goes to anaerobic digestion facilities to produce renewable energy and fertiliser.
Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said the government is ending the “bin collections postcode lottery” and simplifying rules to cut carbon and clean up streets. However, some councils have delayed the rollout of new food waste bins.
