The popular TikTok creator claimed it is a ‘nightmare’ to get rid of
A bin collector has urged people across the UK to stop putting a common item into recycling, as it causes “too much mess”. There is a way to do it safely, but ignoring this advice could mean your rubbish piles up.
Ashley, better known online as @Theno1.binman on TikTok, recently posted a clip with a plea to the public to think twice before putting nightmare material in the bin. He said that it usually “goes everywhere” and is “no good to anyone”.
It may seem harmless, but paper that has been shredded into thousands of strands can quickly become an irritating problem for binmen who encounter it on their runs across the UK. He said: “Stop putting shredded paper in your paper bins.
“It’s not recyclable anyway because people have broken it down too much, it’s too much effort and it costs too much money to recycle it. When we tip it, when it’s cold and windy and wet, it goes everywhere. We have to sweep it up, it’s all stuck to the floor – horrible.”
He added: “Please stop! Just throw it away, that’s what’s going to happen to it anyway. You’ve shredded it, it’s no good to anyone anymore.”
Many UK councils can accept shredded paper in home recycling bins, but it must usually be contained. Ashley suggested using something like a Primark bag, which is also made of recyclable paper material, to put it in.
Standard carrier bags are often unsuitable for the recycling bin, as they are generally considered “soft plastics” that can clog up sorting machinery. Instead of recycling them at home, some supermarkets have designated recycling bins or collection points that will accept these bags.
A quick search online shows a few other methods for efficiently getting rid of this waste if people are determined to reduce their contribution to landfill sites. Google suggested adding it to a paper envelope or a cardboard cereal box to keep it contained.
Instead of recycling, people could try to reuse the product for something else. More online suggestions included using it for composting or as small-animal bedding. Always check your local council’s specific rules, as some may not accept it – even when contained.
In another online alert ahead of Easter, the bin collector warned that councils won’t collect rubbish if people make a few common mistakes with their Easter eggs. Failing to put items in the correct bins could result in your collection being classed as contaminated. Council workers will not run the risk of spoiling the rest of the lorry-load that has been picked up on that round and will likely leave your full bin behind.
