A binman has warned that putting a common item in your food waste bin can be problematic. In fact, it can stop your rubbish from being collected regularly
The common item should not be placed in your food bin (stock image)(Image: Peter Carruthers via Getty Images)
As much as we might dislike it, taking the bins out is a chore we all have to undertake, but a refuse collector has warned that your rubbish may not be collected if a common item is found inside. Unbeknownst to many, binmen can indeed decline to collect your waste if it’s been improperly disposed of, and there are certain rules you must adhere to ensure it’s removed.
A man known as The No1 Binman on TikTok recently shared crucial guidelines regarding food waste that should be followed if you don’t want to be left with foul-smelling rubbish. This expert advice is worth heeding, as it could significantly impact how frequently your waste is actually collected.
This isn’t the only advice he’s imparted recently either. Just a few weeks ago, he also highlighted another significant error that can prove costly.
In a video posted online, he said: “I have a question. ‘Where is cat litter meant to go?’ I’m not sure where you put it at the moment.
“It does not go in your food bin. Do not put it in there. Some councils allow you to put it in with the compost, but you have to remove the poo and all that sort of stuff out of it, and then the rest can go in there.
“Most councils, if you don’t have that, will tell you to put it in your general waste, and I suggest you put it in a bag and not just loose in the bin because, if it doesn’t all get emptied, that’s just going to go solid at the bottom of your bin, and it’ll get heavier and heavier and heavier, and it’s no good to anyone.
“You’re going to have to clean it out yourself. The best thing, when you change it, is put it in a bag, put it in your general waste bin, not in the food.
“Never in the food. You’re not going to reuse that. Check with the council about a compost bin if you have one. You’re welcome.”
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What you may not know is that there are numerous things people put in food bins that don’t actually belong there. There are some things you ought to know.
Why refuse collectors can decline to collect your bins
Refuse collectors can decline to collect your rubbish for several reasons. In fact, they do this frequently if it breaches council guidelines, such as containing contaminated recycling, being excessively heavy or if you include “side waste” (bags left beside the bin).
Sometimes they can also reject bins with open lids and incorrect, or non-recyclable items (such as food or soft plastics being in the wrong bin). When they leave them behind, they’re often left with a sticker explaining what the problem is.
When it comes to cat litter, you should never put this in your food waste bin. It must be placed in your general waste bin, and ideally bagged securely to prevent risks to sanitation workers.
Cat waste contains pathogens, such as Toxoplasma gondii, which will not break down in standard composting. Even if it’s labelled as biodegradable, it still contains urine and faeces, which are considered hazardous and can contaminate food waste processing.
This can pose health hazards and cause unpleasant smells. Furthermore, this error could result in refuse collectors refusing to collect your food waste as well.
They will frequently reject your food waste bin if it contains cat litter. This is something that can readily contaminate a load, so it won’t be removed as a consequence.
Recycling rules can sometimes differ slightly across various regions of the country. If you’re uncertain about anything, consult your local council website for additional guidance.