A refuse collector has issued advice on which bin to use for polystyrene, clearing up a common source of confusion for UK households.
Polystyrene packaging is often used to protect fragile items such as electrical goods and furniture, and while it may seem suitable for recycling, this is not generally recommended.
Polystyrene belongs in general waste
In a recent TikTok video, the binman, known as the “UK’s No1 BINfluencer” and posting as no1.binman, 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.
“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.
“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 refuse collector added that some local councils may prefer polystyrene to be collected for recycling, but most do not, so it is important to check local rules.
Putting the wrong items in recycling can contaminate an entire load and, depending on the council, could mean a bin is not collected.
Winter bin advice
In a previous video, the binman shared advice on wheelie bins as the UK heads into winter. He said: “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 anyone to fetch their bin, adding: “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 recommended bringing the bin out as soon as you remember it is bin day, and added: “Even better if you put the wheelie bin out the evening before.”
