A binman has settled the long-running debate on where to put old carrier bags, confirming that most councils do not accept them in recycling bins and that they should instead be taken to supermarkets for recycling.
Binman Ashley, who posts on social media as No1 Binman, explained that while every council has different rules, most do not accept carrier bags in recycling bins. He said: "They should go to supermarkets if you want to recycle them. Reuse them, and when they rip, take them to the shops; they'll have a bin for them. They do not go in your recycling bin; that should be loose [waste], not in plastic bags."
Council rules on carrier bags
Ashley added: "Some councils may allow clear bags, but check with your council because most will say no." For those who prefer to dispose of carrier bags at home, they cannot be recycled. The binman said: "All sorts of bags can go in your general waste bin. Not in your food waste bin, unless your council says you can."
Putting the wrong items in a wheelie bin can result in the bin not being collected, or even a fine, which can lead to excess waste by the next collection day.
What plastic bags can be recycled
Recycle Now explained that plastic bags and wrapping can be recycled at home recycling points, which are often found at supermarkets. All plastic bags, except biodegradable or compostable bags, can be taken to plastic carrier bag collection points.
Other recyclable items include bread bags, breakfast cereal liners, delivery bags, dry cleaning bags, frozen food bags, magazine and newspaper wrappers, multi-pack wrapping, plastic marked as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) - resin ID code 4, toilet roll wrapping, fruit and vegetable nets, and coffee pouches.
How to recycle plastic bags
It is recommended to recycle clean plastic that is free of food. Recycle Now also suggests tearing off sticky labels if possible.
Recycle Now added: "Compostable and biodegradable bags are not designed to be recycled and if they enter the recycling system can potentially cause quality issues in the recycled material. These should be placed in your home composting bin, if you have one."
