A refuse collector known as the "UK's No1 BINfluencer" has settled the debate over which bin polystyrene packaging should go in, advising households to place it in the general waste bin.
Polystyrene is commonly used to protect fragile items like electrical goods and furniture. Many people assume it can be recycled, but placing it in the wrong bin can contaminate an entire recycling load and may result in the bin not being collected.
Common Mistake Explained
In a recent TikTok video, the binman, who shares advice with his 206,000 followers, said: "Polystyrene, my favourite. Make sure to put it in your general waste bin, because so many people get confused and put it in the plastic bin."
He explained the confusion: "Easy mistake to make, they're both made of plastic, but for most places it's just not worth recycling because it's made of mainly air. So they say, put it in the general waste bin."
He also warned against putting polystyrene in the paper bin: "Some people, for some reason, like to put it in the paper bin. I know it comes with paper in a box, but still, do not ever put it in your paper bin."
Check Local Council Rules
The binman noted that some local councils may prefer polystyrene in the recycling, but the majority do not. He advised residents to verify guidelines with their local authority.
Advice for Rainy Bin Days
In an earlier video, he offered guidance for the winter months: "Right, we're getting into rainy weather time. If it's raining outside and you think, oh, I didn't take my bin out and you'll just wait until the binmen are down the road and then decide to bring it out. No. Just take your bin out. You have to just put your raincoat on and whatever."
He explained that refuse collectors do not want to stop and wait for residents to bring their bins out. He added: "We don't want to be standing around, we want to keep moving to the next bins. We don't want to be standing there waiting for you to bring your bin out. It's raining, I know it's miserable, but still just bring it out."
The binman advised putting the bin out as soon as you remember it is bin day, adding: "Even better if you put the wheelie bin out the evening before."
