A binman has warned rubbish may not be collected if a simple item is spotted inside the recycling waste. There are some key rules everyone needs to follow each week
The binman said it can prevent your waste being collected (stock image)(Image: Getty)
We all face the tedious task of putting the bins out, but you might not realise that a simple recycling error can prove rather costly. A refuse collector, known as The No1 Binman, has amassed thousands of followers thanks to his useful tips, and his most recent expert guidance is certainly worth noting.
According to him, refuse collectors can decline to collect your rubbish if particular items are found in the incorrect bins. When it comes to recycling specifically, key instructions must be followed, and it’s vital to ensure you complete this straightforward task properly each week.
This isn’t the first helpful piece of advice he’s shared on TikTok either. Just weeks ago, he also confirmed another common item can result in contaminating your waste.
In a recent clip, he said: “Every single council has different colour bins, so let’s not get caught up on the colour of the bins, because my black bin is my recycling bin. My green bin is my general waste bin but, where I work, it’s completely different.”
He then focused on a specific piece of packaging that someone enquired about, explaining it should never be put in the recycling bin. “Pizza boxes should not be in the recycling bin,” he added.
“They should be in your general waste bin, whatever colour that will be. You are told to put all cardboard in the blue bin. I don’t know what your blue bin is, I don’t know.
“Let’s just make this clear, pizza boxes – general waste bin, not recycling bin. That’s all I needed to say. It doesn’t matter what colour your bin is, it goes in your general waste.”
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You might not be aware but, when it comes to recycling, there are essential rules to follow. Failing to do this properly could create significant issues further down the line.
Can refuse collectors actually decline to collect your rubbish?
Whilst pizza boxes can be recycled, this should only be done if they’re clean and dry. To handle this correctly, you must remove and dispose of any greasy food remnants or stained sections, particularly the base.
If the item is excessively soiled, it should go into the general waste bin or be used for composting. The clean cardboard lid, however, can go in the paper and card recycling bin.
Grease contaminates the paper fibres, rendering them non-recyclable. Separating the clean sections is essential to prevent contamination, so you must ensure this is done.
You may not be aware that refuse collectors can reject a complete recycling bin if it contains non-recyclable contaminated items, such as soiled or greasy pizza boxes. This occurs because food and grease stop the cardboard fibres from bonding during the pulping process, making the material unsuitable for recycling.
One contaminated item can spoil the whole batch. It can even compromise an entire lorry load of otherwise clean recycling.
Generally, there are a few straightforward rules to follow. Remove all food and place it in your food waste bin. Then, dispose of any sections that are stained with grease or oil.
Recycle the clean, grease-free parts of the box in your recycling bin. You can also flatten the clean sections to help save some space.
There are several items you shouldn’t recycle at home, and these are often detailed on council websites. Consult your local council’s guidelines to see if any additional rules apply to you.