A binman has clarified where empty crisp packets should go, noting that many households dispose of them incorrectly. Putting the wrong items in the wrong bins can lead to collections being missed, so knowing the correct bin is important to avoid waste piling up between collection days. Rules vary depending on where you live, but most homes have food, recycling, and general waste bins.
Where to put empty crisp packets
Ashley, who posts advice on his No1 Binman account, explained that 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: "They can be recycled, but just not in your recycling bin at home. If you want to recycle them, go to the supermarket. Most supermarkets have it [recycling points] at the exit, some at the entry, it depends on the supermarket."
He added: "You do not recycle them in your household bin unless your council is different to everyone else's; do check. Put them in your general waste bin if any, and not in your plastic bin because it will be rejected." Ashley noted that the same rules apply to chocolate wrappers.
How to recycle crisp packets
Recycle Now said: "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 find retailers that accept recycling, with most major supermarkets taking part in the scheme.
What plastic can be recycled?
According to Recycle Now, the following items can be taken to plastic carrier bag collection points: all plastic bags except biodegradable or compostable bags, 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.
