A binman has told people their waste may not be collected if an unlikely item is spotted in their recycling. It’s something people should be aware of when disposing of rubbish
Binmen can refuse to collect your recycling waste (stock image)(Image: Richard Newstead via Getty Images)
We’re frequently reminded of the importance of recycling, but not everything is suitable for the recycling bin. A refuse collector recently shared that they can decline to collect your rubbish if certain items are found inside, including a common type of packaging.
The expert, known as The No1 Binman on TikTok, highlighted this issue in a recent video shared online, catching some people off guard. Despite its light-hearted tone, the video underscored a significant point about how individuals across the country should be managing and disposing of their recyclable waste.
This isn’t the first piece of advice from refuse collectors either. A few weeks ago, another reason why your rubbish might be rejected was disclosed.
In an honest video, he was seen inspecting a bin and captioned it: “When you see dirty pizza boxes in the recycling bin.” He then pretends to sing a song with the lyrics “I wish something mattered to you.”
He subsequently pushes the bin away, leaving it behind to demonstrate what can happen if refuse collectors spot such packaging in recycling waste. There’s a crucial reason for this action.
Unbeknownst to many, refuse collectors can refuse to collect rubbish if certain items are found within bins. Not everything, despite how perplexing it may seem, can be recycled.
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One person responded to the post, asking: “Serious question, is any trace of grease too dirty to recycle?” Another commented: “Oops, I just did this.”
A different individual remarked: “I washed a pizza box once and it went to mush.” Someone else queried: “You seriously look in all the bins?”
Can refuse collectors decline to collect your recycling waste?
While pizza boxes are recyclable, they can only be recycled if they’re clean and dry. To do this correctly, you should tear off and dispose of any parts that are stained or have food residue, such as the bottom.
If it’s too dirty, it should be put into the general waste bin or used for composting. The clean cardboard top, on the other hand, can be placed in the paper/card recycling bin.
Grease taints the paper fibres, rendering them unrecyclable. It’s crucial to separate the clean parts to avoid contamination.
In case you weren’t aware, refuse collectors can reject an entire recycling bin if it’s contaminated with non-recyclable items, like dirty or greasy pizza boxes. This is because food and grease stop the cardboard fibres from binding during the pulping process, making the material unsuitable for recycling.
A single contaminated item can spoil the whole batch. It could even obstruct a full vehicle load of otherwise clean recycling.
Generally, there are a few simple rules to follow. Remove all food and place it in your food waste bin. Then, get rid 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 parts 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.