A binman has warned households their bins may be left uncollected if a common item is seen in their food waste bin. It’s vital you take note of the essential advice
The binman advised rubbish may not be collected (stock image)(Image: richard johnson via Getty Images)
Nobody wants to be left with mountains of rubbish, but households have been warned that their bins may be left uncollected if a particular item is found inside their food waste. As many may not realise, there are strict rules that must be followed when putting your bins out for collection.
A refuse collector, known as The No1 Binman on TikTok, has cautioned that people risk rubbish mounting up if a specific item is spotted in their food waste bin. According to expert guidance, people need to stop making this mistake, or their waste may not be taken away at all, leaving them with an unsightly and malodorous problem.
It’s not the first time such advice has been shared, either. Previously, it emerged that households also need to stop placing another item in the wrong bin.
Sharing his guidance on food waste, he said: “So many people are getting this confused, and I don’t understand why. Garden waste is not food waste.
“You get your grass cuttings. Do not put them in your food waste caddy. Garden trimmings, grass trimmings. They go in your compost bin, not your food waste bin.
“So many people are getting confused. They put branches and stuff in it, and then they go ‘why didn’t it get emptied?’ Because it’s not food waste.
“So, if it’s not the items it says it’s listed down as, do not put it in there. That goes for flowers also – not food waste.
“Do not put them in there. It goes in the garden waste. If you don’t have the garden waste, take it to the tip. Compost it yourself – either way, absolutely fine.
“Just don’t put it in your food caddy. Otherwise, it’ll get left, especially if it’s mixed with your food. You’re going to then have to sort it.”
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The mistake is an easy one to make, and many people assume it is perfectly acceptable to recycle garden waste in this manner. However, if you are caught making this error, it could land you with a significant headache.
Can binmen refuse to collect your bins?
You may not be aware, but binmen are well within their rights to refuse to take your rubbish. This typically occurs when it violates local council guidelines.
For instance, an open lid, an excessively heavy bin or contaminated recycling (e.g. food in paper bins) are all grounds for rejection. Other frequent reasons include “side waste” (bags left beside the bin), incorrect items being included, or putting the bin out too late.
As a general rule, garden waste should not be combined with food waste. Food is commonly sent for anaerobic digestion, while garden waste is composted, and contamination can hinder the recycling process.
While certain areas may permit mixed “green” waste, most dedicated food caddies prohibit garden waste, and garden bins frequently forbid food waste.
This is precisely why it is so crucial to ensure you get it right. In many areas, food waste is collected in smaller indoor or outdoor caddies, while garden waste goes into a separate, larger bin.
It is worth noting that regulations can differ between individual councils. If you are unsure, it is advisable to check your local council’s website to find out what is permitted in your area.