A popular binman turned social media influencer has offered advice for anyone unsure about where to dispose of polystyrene. In a recent TikTok, The No1 Binman, who has over 210,000 followers on the platform, was asked where polystyrene should be put if it cannot go into a recycling bin. His answer was that it belongs in general waste in many areas, although he stressed that households should check with their council first.
What the binman said
"Where is polystyrene supposed to go if not in the bin? It is meant to go in the bin," he said. "It's meant to go in the general waste bin."
He went on to explain why the answer is not necessarily the same everywhere. "Some councils may be different, they can let you store your polystyrene next to the bin, but check with your council if you're allowed to have excess waste," he said.
Recycling centre option
The No1 Binman also suggested that some householders could take polystyrene to a recycling centre, although he warned it may ultimately be treated as general waste there. "You can take it to the tip. They may be able to recycle it there," he continued.
His strongest warning was about putting the material into the wrong recycling stream. "It does not go in any of the recycling bins," he noted, adding that this applied to large pieces as well as smaller polystyrene used for food and takeaway packaging.
National distinction in England
There is an important national distinction in England, however, because polystyrene is not one of the materials councils are required to collect as part of the dry recycling stream under Simpler Recycling. GOV.UK specifically lists expanded and high-impact polystyrene packaging, including packing beads, among materials that councils do not need to collect.
That does not mean every household in England will have exactly the same disposal instructions, as councils determine how their local waste services operate and should tell residents what belongs in each stream. Manchester City Council, for example, currently lists polystyrene as an item for its grey or black general waste bin.
The safest option is therefore to check your own council's latest guidance before deciding what to do with unwanted polystyrene. The No1 Binman's wider message is simple: "General waste bin, only that bin please" - but local instructions should always take priority.
