A binman has clarified that most councils do not accept carrier bags in recycling bins, settling a common household debate. The advice comes as many residents face confusion over which bin should be used for these items.
Carrier bags should go to supermarkets
Binman Ashley, who posts on social media as No1 Binman, said regulations vary by local authority, but the majority do not accept carrier bags for recycling. He advised: "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."
Ashley added that some councils may allow clear bags, but residents should check with their local authority because most will say no. If carrier bags are placed in a household bin, they cannot be recycled. He said: "All sorts of bags can go in your general waste bin. Not in your food waste bin, unless your council says you can."
Which plastic bags can be recycled?
Recycle Now states that plastic bags and wrapping can be recycled at designated collection points, usually located at supermarkets. All plastic bags, except biodegradable or compostable ones, can be taken to these 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) with resin ID code 4, toilet roll wrapping, fruit and vegetable nets, and coffee pouches.
How to recycle plastic bags
Recycle Now recommends recycling only clean plastic free from food residue and tearing off sticky labels where possible. It 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."
