A refuse collector has highlighted a common mistake households make with polystyrene packaging, advising that it should be placed in the general waste bin rather than the recycling bin.
Known as the "UK's No1 BINfluencer", the no1.binman offers tips and guidance to his 206,000 followers on bins. In a recent TikTok video, 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."
Polystyrene packaging is commonly used to safeguard delicate items such as electrical goods and furniture. While it may seem logical to place it in the recycling bin, the refuse collector explained why this is not advised.
Why polystyrene should not be recycled at home
"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 said.
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."
However, it is essential to verify these guidelines with your local authority, as they may have differing regulations. The refuse collector noted that while some local authorities may accept polystyrene for recycling, most do not.
Advice for rainy collection days
In an earlier video, he offered guidance regarding wheelie bins as the UK moves into the winter months. 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."
The refuse collector made clear that he does not wish to stop and wait for residents to fetch their bin before transporting it to the lorry. 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 bin man advised bringing the bin out as soon as you recall it is collection day. "Even better if you put the wheelie bin out the evening before."
