A binman has warned people their recycling could not be collected if a simple item is spotted in their waste. It’s vital to follow the essential piece of advice going forward
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 within it, including a common type of packaging that’s considered a significant faux pas.
The professional, known as The No1 Binman on TikTok, highlighted this issue in a recent video posted online, which has caught some people off guard. Despite its light-hearted tone, the video underscores an important point about how individuals across the UK 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 left uncollected was disclosed.
In a frank video, he is seen inspecting a bin and, in the caption, he wrote: “When you see dirty pizza boxes in the recycling bin.” He then appears to mime along to a song with lyrics that include “I wish something mattered to you.”
He subsequently pushes the bin away, leaving it behind to illustrate what can happen if refuse collectors spot such packaging in recycling waste. There’s a crucial reason for this action too.
It may surprise you to learn that refuse collectors can refuse to collect rubbish if certain items are found inside bins. Not everything, despite how perplexing it may seem, is recyclable.
One person responded to the post, asking: “Serious question, is any trace of grease too dirty to recycle?” Another admitted: “Oops, I just did this.”
A third person remarked: “I washed a pizza box once and it went to mush.” Another questioned: “You seriously look in all the bins?”
Are binmen allowed to reject your recycling waste?
Whilst pizza boxes can be recycled, this is only possible when they’re clean and dry. The correct method involves tearing off and disposing of any greasy food residue or soiled sections, particularly the base.
If excessively dirty, it belongs in the general waste bin or compost heap. The unsoiled cardboard lid, however, can go into the paper and card recycling bin.
Grease ruins the paper fibres, rendering them non-recyclable. Separating the uncontaminated portions is essential to prevent contamination, so this step mustn’t be overlooked.
What many don’t realise is that refuse collectors across the UK are entitled to refuse an entire recycling bin if it contains non-recyclable items, including soiled or greasy pizza boxes. This is because food residue and grease stop the cardboard fibres from bonding during the pulping process, rendering the material unsuitable for recycling.
One contaminated item has the potential to ruin an entire batch. It can even compromise a whole lorry load of otherwise pristine recycling.
As a general rule, you should adhere to a few straightforward guidelines. Remove all food waste and place it in your food waste bin.
Then, dispose of any sections marked with grease or oil stains. Place the clean, grease-free portions of the box in your recycling bin. You can also flatten the clean parts to conserve space.
There are certain items that you should refrain from recycling at home, and these are typically listed on council websites. It’s advisable to review your local council’s guidelines to ascertain if any additional rules apply to you.
