A binman has shared the real reason black bin bags are refused in recycling collections
Don’t put black bin bags in your recycling bin(Image: georgeclerk via Getty Images)
A refuse collector has revealed why black bin bags are frequently rejected during recycling collections. The binman urged households to stop placing the plastic bags in their recycling bins for a straightforward reason.
While plastic bags can be recycled at certain collection points, filled bags are unlikely to be taken away. This can prove particularly frustrating, given that bin collections can be weeks apart.
Rubbish builds up rapidly, so it’s always advisable to avoid anything that might result in your bin being left behind.
Individual councils set their own guidelines, so it’s worth checking the rules in your local area. However, Ashley, who shares advice on social media under the name No. 1 Binman, shed light on why black bin bags are turned away from recycling collections.
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.”
Only put recycling in the bin loose(Image: Peter Burnett via Getty Images)
Ashley continued: “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 refuse collector advised: “Put it all in loose. Do not put anything in a bag in your recycling bin because it has got a chance of being contaminated and they won’t take it. Then you have got to deal with it.”
Should you have recycling contained within a black bin bag, Ashley suggested it could be taken to larger recycling facilities instead.
Recycle Now has similarly provided guidance on recycling plastic bags.
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The crucial consideration is that the bags must be empty, not filled, when recycled. It stated: “Plastic bags and wrapping can be recycled at some out of home recycling points.”
Recycle Now indicates that all plastic bags, apart from biodegradable or compostable varieties, can be recycled.
Bread bags, breakfast cereal liners, delivery bags, dry cleaning bags, frozen food bags, toilet roll wrapping and multi-pack wrapping are among those commonly accepted for home recycling.
Major supermarkets will accept baby and pet food, detergent and cleaning pouches, as well as cling film, crisp packets, sweet bags, bubble wrap, plastic film lids, and biscuit wrapping.