Binman says never put common item in recycling - 'easy mistake to make'

Binman says never put common item in recycling - 'easy mistake to make' People tend to fall foul of those confusing rules all the time, he claims People could easily be caught out by a common bin rule that is enforced in almost every part of the UK, a rubbish collector has claimed. It comes as a reminder because he says many unknowingly make this mistake week after week. Ashley, who goes by @Theno1.binman on TikTok, told his followers about the rule he often sees people break on his rounds when it comes to recycling. One material tends to cause confusion, and homeowners are being reminded "do not ever" put it in one of their bins. He said: "Make sure you put polystrene in your general waste bin, because so many people get confused and put it in the plastic. Easy mistake to make. They're both made of plastic, but in most places, it's just not worth recycling because it's made of mainly air. "[Local authorities] say put it in the general waste bin - not the recycling bin, not the plastic bin. Some people, for some reason, like to put things in the paper bin. I know it comes with paper in a box, but still. Do not ever put it in your paper bin." Ashley added at the end of his video that different council areas will vary on the stance taken. However, he says the majority are fairly clear on the rule about polystyrene. He said that, if homes end up with a large amount, such as from unboxing a new appliance, there should be dedicated spaces at the tip or recycling centre in your local area. He urges people to avoid the gamble of using the wrong waste bin. Another way to get rid of excessive amounts of polystyrene is to take advantage of the services offered by retailers. Often, when buying large appliances like fridges or washing machines, some stores offer an option at checkout to have the expanded polystyrene packaging taken away and recycled for you. In other news, one easy-to-forget rule could see your next set of bins ignored by the council - even if you do everything right when it comes to separating the waste. It's all to do with how your rubbish bins are put out on collection day. When putting your bins out for collection, there are a few key steps worth following to ensure they're actually emptied. First, check your local council's guidelines on bin collection, as these can differ depending on where you live. Most councils ask you to place your bins on the edge of your property, right by the kerb, so that collection crews can reach them without difficulty. Leaving your bins in the wrong spot, such as behind a fence or too far up your driveway, could mean they're overlooked entirely.