A binman shared a simple reason black bin bags are often rejected during recycling collection – and what to do insteadMia O’Hare Senior Spare Time Journalist and Ellen Jenne Senior U35 Spare Time Writer
04:06, 28 Aug 2026
A binman shared a simple reason black bin bags are often rejected during recycling collection – and what to do instead(Image: skaman306 via Getty Images)
A waste collector has explained why black bin bags are often refused during recycling collections. The binman has encouraged residents to stop putting the plastic sacks in their recycling bins for a simple reason.
While plastic bags can be recycled at specific collection points, filled bags are unlikely to be collected. This can be especially frustrating, considering that bin collections may be weeks apart.
Rubbish accumulates quickly, so it’s always sensible to avoid anything that could lead to your bin being overlooked. Individual councils establish their own regulations, so it’s worthwhile checking the requirements in your local area, reports Wales Online.
However, Ashley, who shares guidance on social media under the name No. 1 Binman, explained why black bin bags are rejected from recycling collections.
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He said: “Black bags is not the problem, some places just do not want to take them because they clog up the machines. But the main reason we do not accept black bags in your recycling bin is that we don’t know what’s in them.”
Ashley added: “We have no idea if you put your rubbish in it, put it in the wrong bin by mistake, or someone else has put rubbish in your bin. Black bin bags, we can’t see through them, and we’re not going to open them and rummage through them.
“We can’t see it, so it is contaminated. We have no idea what’s in your bin. That’s why it is easier to save the money and don’t buy black bags for your recycling bin.”
Only put recycling in the bin loose(Image: Peter Burnett via Getty Images)
Instead, the refuse collector recommended: “Put it all in loose. Do not put anything in a bag in your recycling bin because it has got a chance of being contaminated and they won’t take it. Then you have got to deal with it.”
Should you have recyclables contained within a black bin liner, Ashley suggested these could be taken to larger recycling centres instead.
How to recycle plastic bags properly
Recycle Now has likewise offered advice on recycling plastic bags.
The key factor is that the bags must be empty, rather than filled, when recycled. It explained: “Plastic bags and wrapping can be recycled at some out of home recycling points.”
Recycle Now advises that all plastic bags, with the exception of biodegradable or compostable types, can be recycled.
Bread bags, breakfast cereal liners, delivery bags, dry cleaning bags, frozen food bags, toilet roll wrapping and multi-pack wrapping are amongst those typically accepted for home recycling.
Major supermarkets will also accept baby and pet food, detergent and cleaning pouches, alongside cling film, crisp packets, sweet bags, bubble wrap, plastic film lids, and biscuit wrapping.