A UK bin man has left many residents baffled after revealing that not every item displaying a recycling logo is suitable for household recycling bins. The revelation comes as a reminder that bin day can be a stressful affair, especially when juggling multiple containers for general waste, food waste, and recycling.
Common Recycling Misconception
In numerous areas across the UK, different waste types are collected on different days, making it confusing to know which bin to put out. Moreover, councils have varying rules on what can and cannot be placed in recycling bins. Getting it wrong could result in bins being left uncollected. To help, a bin man known as 'No 1 Bin Man' on TikTok has shared his top tips.
With over 170,000 followers, he recently explained that polystyrene should never go in household recycling bins, as it could lead to the bin being left full and uncollected while collectors wait for residents to sort their recycling correctly.
Why the Recycling Logo Misleads
One viewer pointed out that many polystyrene items clearly display a recycling logo, arguing this should indicate they are suitable for the bin. The bin man clarified that while such items can be recycled, they must be taken to designated locations. The same applies to batteries, crisp packets, and carrier bags.
"It can be recycled, you just have to find out where it can be recycled," he said. He emphasised that placing items in the wrong bin, such as food in the paper recycling bin, would contaminate everything and prevent proper recycling.
Items to Avoid in Household Recycling Bins
While every council operates differently, general guidance suggests that common recyclable materials such as plastic bags and film, black plastic, polystyrene, greasy food packaging, textiles, batteries, and crisp packets should never be placed in household recycling bins. These items are often "wish-cycled" and can damage machinery or require specialist processes.
- Plastic bags and film
- Black plastic
- Polystyrene
- Greasy food packaging
- Textiles
- Batteries
- Crisp packets
Other items with dedicated recycling bins include textiles, glass varieties like Pyrex, broken windowpanes, light bulbs, scrap metal, and hazardous waste like batteries and vapes. If these are found in recycling bins, collectors may leave them behind to avoid contamination.
For a tailored list, residents should consult their local council's recycling guide.
