A refuse collector has warned of a common mistake many UK residents make with their bins, which can lead to them being left unemptied. Whether it's placing them out too late or disposing of incorrect waste types, refuse collectors have the ultimate authority on whether they are cleared into the lorry.
The Common Mistake
Ashley, recognised as the No1 Binman on social media and self-described as a 'binfluencer', routinely shares his collection expertise with over 50,000 followers. In his most recent video, he showcased a common mistake residents on his route make, subsequently holding staff responsible.
"When Karen screams at you for missing her bin... but she put out the wrong bin," he wrote in the caption.
Public Reactions
This prompted one TikTok user to offer their own guidance on preventing such blunders. "How can you get it wrong?" they questioned. "Every street has one of those neighbours who's memorised the bin calendar, you always follow their lead!"
A second commenter concurred: "I never remember what bin it is so I wait for my neighbours to put theirs out so I know."
While a third advised all the 'Karens': "Be nice to the binmen and they are nice to you, not hard."
Binman's Response to Impatient Residents
Ashley has also disclosed his "brilliant" response to residents who urge him to hurry up while completing his rounds. Working as a refuse collector is far from straightforward, being a physically demanding occupation requiring early morning starts year-round, irrespective of weather conditions. Despite freezing temperatures and torrential rain, or scorching heat, bin collectors must carry out their duties as essential workers.
In a recent video, Ashley cheekily shared his standard reaction to those who want him to "hurry up." The footage shows him sat in the driver's seat of a van while dancing and miming along to Belinda Carlisle's 1989 hit (We Want) The Same Thing. Particularly, the words: "We dream the same dream, we want the same thing; ooh. We dream the same dream, we want the same thing, ooh."
Ashley provided additional context through text overlaid on the video, and wrote: "When you want the binmen to hurry up. We always want to hurry up so we can go home!"
A Standard Guide to Recycling Bins
In the UK, most councils follow a standard colour-coded system. However, check your local council's specific waste guidelines to learn which bin to use as it might vary by area.
Here is a standard bin guide:
- Mixed recycling (usually blue or green bins): Accepts cardboard, newspapers, magazines, empty plastic bottles, food/drink cans, and glass bottles or jars. It won't accept crisp packets, soft plastic films, and polystyrene.
- Food waste (usually brown bins or kitchen caddy): Accepts fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, bones, teabags, and eggshells.
- Garden waste (usually brown or green bins): Accepts grass cuttings, weeds, flowers, and small branches.
