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Binman urges Brits to stop putting common plastic item into recycling it won't be collected

The binman is urging Brits to stop leaving a common plastic item in their recycling and you might be running the risk of it not being collected if you keep doing it

[bins lined up for collection]

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You risk your bins not being taken if you put this common object in them (Stock Image)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

A binman has shared a common item people are confused about when it comes to recycling and shared where it should really go.

Recycling at home can feel like a minefield, and one wrong item in your bins could mean the binmen don't take it away, leaving you to dispose of your own rubbish yourself. But Ashley, a biman who shares his expert advice about all things rubbish, tries to make things a little easier for those in the UK, as he's been in the industry for 13 years. Replying to a comment he received in a previous video, @theno1.binman read: "Serious question... Can I put plastic hangers into my recycling bin?"

First, Ashley simply replied: "No," but said "some people do", so therefore it needed addressing.

"They shouldn't be in there, they should be in your general waste bin, because it's a hard plastic, and a different type of plastic to bottles, and containers," he shared.

Ashley continued: "So they should just go in your general waste bin. If they're still working, then donate them to a charity shop, I'm sure they'll take them. And, if you don't need them, when you get to a checkout of Primark, Matalan, wherever it may be, just say, 'I don't want the hanger'."

This way, you won't have to "worry about getting rid of it" but if they're broken "they do go in your general waste".

"It's the same thing for your wooden ones, they would have to go in your general waste bin. You can take them to a recycling centre, and they may have a different section for them, but check with your local council because every council is different," he shared.

Household Recycling Rules: Why Polystyrene, Vapes, and Batteries Don't Belong in Green Bins

Ashley also urged people never to put polystyrene in their recycling bins, as it cannot be recycled and could cause major disruption to your bin collection.

Polystyrene is seriously handy, as it fills gaps inside packaging boxes and stops delicate goods from being damaged in transit, but it's actually a synthetic plastic made from petroleum-based styrene monomers.

It must be removed before you recycle any cardboard or plastic from your packaging.

He also noted dry paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, tubs, pots, drink cans, empty aerosols, glass bottles and jars can be placed into green bins.

But he labelled those who pop vapes and batteries in as "Karens".

Recycle Your Electricals issued a warning online: "When electricals containing hidden batteries like vapes are binned, they can get crushed or damaged and spark dangerous fires in bin lorries and recycling centres.

"Last year, there were over 1,200 fires across the UK caused by binned vapes and electricals."

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