Binman tells UK households waste 'won't be collected' if 1 item is found in recycling

Binman tells UK households waste 'won't be collected' if 1 item is found in recycling A binman has told UK households their waste may not be collected if a common item is found inside. People need to be really careful when it comes to putting out the trash Putting the bins out may seem like an easy, even if slightly grim, job; however, a binman has cautioned UK households that they may be making a big mistake when it comes to recycling. It seems placing a common piece of packaging inside can cause problems, as it can result in your rubbish being left uncollected. The binman, who's known as The No 1 Binman on TikTok, recently drew people's attention to the situation, as he issued some expert advice people may well want to know. Binmen know their stuff when it comes to waste collection, so it's well worth taking note of his advice. It's not the first time such guidance has been issued either. Previously, people were told another problem can stop rubbish from being taken away. What you need to avoid In a clip shared online, the binman can be seen near a lorry. He posted the footage alongside the caption: "When the recycling bin is full of polystyrene and you tell the binmen you have no idea how it got there." The footage was posted with the Meghan Trainor song "Lips Are Movin" playing over the top of it. He seemed to make a cheeky quip at the fact that some people try and get away with putting it in the wrong bin. It quickly got a lot of people talking, as they started debating how rubbish should be arranged. Many made similar comments. One said: "It's common sense. That's not meant to be in there." Another added: "Who knew that polystyrene didn't go in the paper bin?" A third replied: "It's common sense which things go where. I feel for the binmen." A fourth also commented, though they seemed confused. They questioned: "Where is the polystyrene supposed to go if not in the bin?" Luckily, we have the answer. It's pretty simple to do the right thing when you know the rules. Can binmen refuse to take your rubbish? Little you may know, binmen can legally refuse to collect your rubbish if it does not follow local council rules. More often than not, they do this if non-recyclable items are put in recycling bins. They can also leave overfilled bins behind as leaving the lid open, or piling rubbish high, can create safety hazards. Leaving extra bags or boxes next to your bin when the council operates a strict "no side waste" policy can also be problematic. Not to mention, excessive weight can also be a problem. If you pack the bin too heavily, it can be deemed unsafe for workers or equipment to lift. You may not realise, but it in most areas of the UK you cannot recycle polystyrene in your household recycling bin. Many local authorities in the UK lack the facilities to process it and ask that you put polystyrene (including Expanded Polystyrene or Styrofoam packaging and takeaway trays) into your normal rubbish or general waste bin. Polystyrene easily breaks into tiny beads that clog and damage sorting machinery at standard recycling plants. It's important to check your local rules before you act though. A small number of local recycling centres or specific council areas might accept it, but you must check your local council guidelines first. Never assume it goes in domestic or dry mixed recycling - always check as rules can vary.