A waste collector known as The No1 Binman has issued a warning to households: crisp packets should not be placed in home recycling bins. The TikTok creator, who has more than 217,000 followers and nearly four million likes, shared the reminder in a video about common recycling mistakes.
He opened with a direct message to viewers: "People put crisp packets in their recycling bin! Don't do it people!"
Why Crisp Packets Are a Problem
Crisp packets often contain layers of different materials, making them unsuitable for many kerbside recycling systems. Wales Recycles confirms that crisp packets are not currently accepted in household recycling collections, but says they can be taken to some out-of-home recycling points at selected retailers.
The No1 Binman explained that people who want to recycle their packets should look for supermarket collection points. He said: "They can be recycled, but just not in your recycling bin at home."
Check Local Collection Rules
These collection schemes are not identical across every shop, so residents should check what their local branch accepts before taking packaging along. Recycle Now says selected retailers accept crisp and sweet bags alongside certain types of plastic bags and wrapping, while its recycling locator can help people find participating points.
The binman also warned against putting the packets in the plastic recycling bin simply because they feel or look like plastic. He said: "Don't put them in your plastic bin, because it could get rejected, and then you're going to have to sort through it all, and yeah, not get your bin collected."
What to Do Instead
Local collection rules still matter, and households should follow the instructions issued by their own council rather than assume every area operates the same system. Wales Recycles advises that crisp packets and other flexible packaging should go in non-recyclable waste at home if a suitable drop-off point is not available.
Chocolate wrappers can be trickier because packaging materials vary, so it is important to check the specific item and the collection scheme's accepted list. The No1 Binman explained: "Exactly the same thing goes with crisp packets, and it goes for chocolate bar wrappers."
The message is not that these packets can never be recycled, but that putting them in the wrong collection can undermine the process. Empty the packet, keep it clean and dry, check for a suitable supermarket collection point and use general waste if no appropriate recycling option is available.
