Binman finally settles debate over polystyrene — most people get it wrong

Binman finally settles debate over polystyrene — most people get it wrong If you put it in the wrong bin, it might not be collected A binman has revealed what bin polystyrene should go in, admitting it is one of the most commonly confused items. The plastic is often found in packaging as it is lightweight and durable. It can also be used for the likes of food containers and even insulation. Most households collect a large amount of waste every week, with many wanting to recycle what they can. However, it can be hard to know what items can go in what bins. The majority of homes have a waste bin and a recycling bin, but bins and rules can vary by local authorities. It is always worth checking with your local authority to see what their specific rules are. If you put the wrong items in the wrong bins, you can risk it not being collected. Polystyrene is often thought of as being recyclable like other packaging items such as cardboard or some other plastics. Yet, a binman has warned not to put it in your recycling bin as it won't be collected. What bin does polystyrene go in? Binman Ashely, who posts as The No1 Binman on TikTok, said: "So many people put polystyrene in [the recycling bin], polystyrene is not recyclable in your household waste." He added: "Unless your council is different, let me know if it is, but I'm sure it isn't." Ashely said a common problem is people putting cardboard boxes filled with other packaging materials straight into the recycling bin. The binman explained: "Just because it is cardboard, doesn't mean that everything inside it turns to cardboard. Please take out all the non-recyclables, polystyrene and plastics, which come in the box. "Then you can put it [cardboard box] in the bin and it will be collected. Make sure you break down your boxes and you will have more room inside your bin to put more stuff in." Ashely warned: "This is an easy fix. Don't get caught doing it because if your bin gets rejected, you're the one that has to sort it out. You'll have to wait two to three weeks before your bin is collected again." Recycle Now also published guidance on recycling polystyrene. It said: "Polystyrene is a type of plastic which is not commonly recycled and should be placed in the waste bin." The organisation said of polystyrene: "Expanded polystyrene is sometimes used for take-away food containers and to package white goods like microwaves. Polystyrene is also sometimes used for other food packaging like multi-pack yoghurts." London Recycles explained that polystyrene often isn’t recycled because it is difficult to sort from other types of plastic waste. It can also easily break into small beads which can clog up sorting machines and cause them to break. It added: "Try and avoid buying food and drink which comes in polystyrene. If you can’t, put the containers in your rubbish bin."