A binman has shared a common mistake people make when disposing of their waste – and it’s something many households are likely to be guilty ofJess Flaherty Senior News Reporter and John Rogan Audience Engagement Editor
19:12, 14 Mar 2026
Refuse collector and refuse truck in street(Image: Monty Rakusen via Getty Images)
A refuse collector has disclosed which common food item should never be placed in the food waste or recycling bin – and it’s something numerous households may be disposing of incorrectly.
Working as a refuse collector isn’t for everyone, with early morning shifts and constant physical challenges facing staff, regardless of weather conditions, throughout the year.
These essential workers ensure our neighbourhoods remain hygienic, tidy and clean. They collect and process household rubbish, manoeuvring wheelie bins towards large lorries where they can be lifted and emptied.
After being loaded into the vehicle, the waste is pulled forward before being compacted by a compactor blade to make space for additional waste. Refuse collectors also manage commercial and business waste, with separate rounds allocated to recycling.
Ashley, who posts content online as The No1 Binman, currently works as a refuse collector and frequently uploads videos providing insight into the day-to-day realities of the job, along with guidance on correct waste disposal, reports the Manchester Evening News.
He’s amassed a following of over 160,000 on TikTok – and, in a recent video, he tackled a question about a commonly-used product – chewing gum.
Speaking directly to camera, Ashley clarified: “What about chewing gum? Good question. Right, this one, it goes in your general waste, if you’re chewing it, finished with it; it goes in the general waste bin.
“It is not biodegradable – that’s why you do not put it in your food waste or your compost bin. It goes in your general waste because it can’t break down and go into the soil or whatever they make the food waste into.”
He then turned his attention to chewing gum wrappers, which many residents incorrectly place in the recycling bin.
The refuse collector said: “The wrapper for chewing gum, another good one, which would be, because it’s a combination of paper and aluminium. Because of the combination, it doesn’t go in either the recycling bin. It would have to go in your general waste bin.”
Council websites specify which items are recyclable and offer detailed lists of acceptable materials. For paper products, there are clear guidelines: “Paper, magazines, newspapers, junk mail, catalogues, phone directories and wrapping paper which is not plastic or metallic.”
Plastic or metallic wrappers – typically found on chewing gum packaging – should be thrown away with general household rubbish. Putting the wrong items in your recycling bin may mean your waste is left uncollected.
The binman added: “If you don’t believe me, get on your council website. They normally have an A-Z list on there – have a little search up, it will say on there and it should say, on most council websites, it [chewing gum] will go in your general waste bin.”
Local authority websites offer thorough guidance on correct bin usage for various waste types.
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