One binman has issued a plea to households to stop breaking one of the recycling bin rules – warning that making one mistake could mean your bins aren’t emptied
The binman said one mistake could stop your recycling from being collected (stock photo)(Image: coldsnowstorm via Getty Images)
Making this common error with your recycling bin could result in your rubbish being left uncollected. Finding your bin still brimming with waste after collection day can be incredibly frustrating, particularly if your council’s collection policy means you face a two-week wait before getting another opportunity to have it emptied.
However, one binman on social media has claimed that more often than not, the reason your bin goes unemptied is that you’ve inadvertently broken one of the collection rules. Ashley, known online as the “No1 Binman”, says there is actually one widespread mistake people make with their recycling bins that frequently leads to binmen refusing to collect their waste.
In a TikTok video, refuse collector Ashley explained that while it is perfectly acceptable — and indeed encouraged — for households to line their general waste bin with a large wheelie bin liner to contain rubbish, the same should never be done with your recycling bin.
Ashley captioned his video: “When you can’t take a recycling bin because it has black bags in it.” He added at the end: “Recycling should be loose in the bin.”
Viewers responding to Ashley’s video were divided over his appeal for people to stop placing their recycling inside black bags. Some admitted they had been completely unaware of the rule, while others argued it was “petty” of binmen to leave rubbish uncollected on those grounds.
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One person said: “This is exactly what is happening in my house! I just shared it with my housemates.”
But another hit back: “It’s getting stupid now! They just look for any excuse to do nothing.”
While a third simply remarked: “So petty.”
Black bin bags cannot be recycled, meaning they should never be used to line your recycling bin. According to London Recycles, should you place your recycling inside a black bag and bin crews collect it, the entire bag will be discarded as general waste – even if left open – meaning your recyclable materials won’t actually be recycled at all.
Furthermore, bin bags can become entangled in the vehicle hoist of recycling lorries, potentially causing tears and littering. Your recycling bin shouldn’t require a liner in the first place, as anything placed inside should be dry and free from food waste, removing any need to guard against pests.
Why binmen can refuse to collect your bins
There are several reasons why binmen may decline to collect your rubbish. One of the most frequent grounds for refusal is an overfull bin with a lid that won’t close properly. This equally applies if your bin lid has snapped off entirely, as bins must be completely sealed in order to be emptied.
Collection can also be refused if your rubbish breaches council guidelines, such as containing contaminated recycling, being excessively heavy, or including “side waste” — bags left alongside the bin.
Binmen may additionally decline to collect your rubbish if non-recyclable items such as food waste or soft plastics have been placed in your recycling bin, though they will typically leave a sticker explaining the reason for refusal.
Recycling guidelines can differ slightly depending on where you live in the country. Should you have any doubts, head to your local council’s website for additional advice.