A popular social media binman has settled the debate on which bin meal deal sandwich packets should go in. According to the “UK’s no.1 BINfluencer”, the plastic window on prepacked sandwich boxes should not be put in the recycling; it belongs in the general waste bin.
What the binman said about sandwich packaging
In a TikTok video, the binman said: “Right, I’m just on my lunch. I’m going to go through the recycling of a general meal deal lunch.” He explained that if the cardboard part of the packaging is still clean, it can go in the cardboard recycling bin. However, if it cannot be cleaned because it is full of sandwich or filling, it would have to go in the general waste.
He added: “Any crust leftover or food, then put it in your food waste bin. It’s quite simple, really. But if you can’t separate the two parts of the sandwich packaging, then it just goes in your general waste.”
Other meal deal items
If the meal deal includes a pre-packaged biscuit or chocolate bar, the binman said these go in the general waste bin. He said the same applies to crisp packets, although some supermarkets offer recycling stations for this type of packaging.
For drinks such as fizzy drinks, these belong in the plastic bin. If you have a can, once it’s emptied, pop it into the plastic recycling bin too.
Polystyrene advice
In a previous video, the binman shared advice on which bin polystyrene goes in. He 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.”
He also warned: “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.” It is important to check these rules with your local council, as some rules do vary across the country.
