A binman has shared why they often refuse black bin bags when it comes to collecting recycling. The refuse collector urged households to stop putting the plastic bags in the recycling bin for a very simple reason.
Plastic bags can be recycled at some home recycling points, but if they are filled, they are likely not to be collected. It can be a nuisance if your rubbish isn’t collected, as it can be weeks until the next bin day. Rubbish can build up quickly, so it is always best to avoid anything that means your bin won’t be collected.
Local councils set their own bin rules, so check what applies in your local area. However, Ashley, who posts on social media as the No.1 Binman, revealed why black bin bags can’t be recycled and get left behind.
He explained: “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.”
Ashely 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.”
Instead, the binman urged: “Put it all in loose. Do not put anything in a bag in your recycling bin because it has got a chance of being contaminatied and they won’t take it. Then you have got to deal with it.”
If you do have recycling in a black bin bag, Ashley said it can be taken to large recycling points instead. Recycling Now has also issued guidance on recycling plastic bags.
The most important point is that the bags should be empty and not filled before being recycled. It said: “Plastic bags and wrapping can be recycled at some out of home recycling points.”
Recycle Now say all plastic bags except biodegradable or compostable bags can be recycled. Bread bags, breakfast ceral liners, delivery bags, dry cleaning bags, frozen food bags, toilet roll wrapping and multi-pack wrapping are among those that can commonly be recycled at home.
Major supermarkets will accept baby, pet food, detergent and cleaning pouches as well as cling flim, crisp packets, sweet bags, bubble wrap, plastic film lids and biscuit wrapping.