A refuse collector has warned households not to put empty crisp packets in their home recycling bins, noting that many people get this wrong and collections can be refused.
Where to put empty crisp packets
Ashley, who shares guidance on his No1 Binman account, said crisp packets should not go in the recycling bin. He urged: "People put crisps packets in their recycling bin; don't do it, people."
The binman explained that while crisp packets can be recycled, they should not be placed in household recycling bins. "If you want to recycle them, go to the supermarket," he said, noting that most supermarkets have recycling points at the exit or entry.
He advised putting crisp packets in the general waste bin instead, warning: "Put them in your general waste bin if any, and not in your plastic bin because it will be rejected." He added that the same rules apply to chocolate wrappers.
How to recycle crisp packets
Recycle Now stated: "Crisp packets are not currently recyclable in home recycling collections but can be recycled along with plastic bags and wrapping at selected retailers."
The Recycle Now website can be used to locate participating retailers, with most large supermarkets involved in the scheme.
What plastic can be recycled
According to Recycle Now, items that can be taken to plastic carrier bag collection points include all plastic bags except biodegradable or compostable ones, 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.
Some major supermarkets also accept baby, pet food, detergent and cleaning pouches, biscuits and chocolate wrapping, cheese, fish and meat wrapping, cling film, crisp and sweet bags, plastic film lids, bubble wrap, and salad, pasta, and rice bags.
