LifestyleBinmenA binman has warned households to take care when throwing away packaging from deliveries, as there's one item that's commonly included which cannot go in the recycling bin16:53, 30 Jul 2026Putting this everyday packaging material in your recycling bin could land you in serious trouble.‌When a parcel arrives, most people tear open the box and throw all the packaging straight into recycling. But one binman is warning households that a material found inside many cardboard boxes cannot be recycled — and putting it in your recycling bin could mean your collection is refused altogether. This comes just after it was finally confirmed which bin your crisp packets should be going in.‌Ashley, known online as The No. 1 Binman, posted a TikTok video urging people never to put polystyrene in their recycling bin. He warned that it cannot be recycled and could cause major disruption to your bin collection.‌Polystyrene is widely used in packaging boxes to protect fragile items. It fills gaps inside the box and stops delicate goods from being damaged in transit.It must be removed before you recycle any cardboard or plastic from your packaging. It is not recyclable and should go in your general waste bin instead.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌In his video, Ashley lip-synced to the Dua Lipa track IDGAF, with the caption: "When Karen tries to hide the polystyrene in her recycling bin."Many viewers pointed out in the comments that polystyrene can simply go in the general waste bin, so there is no need to put it in the recycling.One person wrote: "I checked on my council site, and they said you can put it in your black bin as it can't go out with recycling." Another added: "That's why I put it in the black bin!"‌However, some commenters said they would continue putting whatever they liked in either bin. Several argued that because bin collections are funded through council tax, binmen should take their rubbish no matter what is inside. But each bin type is processed differently, and that is not how the system works.The same binman has also warned about a common item that could stop your general waste from being collected. He said there is one product people throw away without thinking twice, but that binmen will refuse to take if they spot it, due to the serious risk it poses.He stated he will never collect a bin that contains a vape. Vapes are classed as both battery waste and electrical waste, making them hazardous and unsuitable for processing with standard household rubbish. They contain electronic components and are classified in many areas as WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), which means they must be disposed of separately.‌Disposable vapes were banned from sale in the UK in June, so any vape you own should not simply be thrown in the bin.A standard guide to recycling bins:In the UK, most councils follow a standard colour-coded system. However, check your local council's specific waste guidelines to learn which bin to use, as it might vary by area.Here is a standard bin guide:Article continues belowMixed recycling (usually blue or green bins): Accepts cardboard, newspapers, magazines, empty plastic bottles, food/drink cans, and glass bottles or jars. It won't accept crisp packets, soft plastic film, or polystyrene.Food waste (usually brown bins or kitchen caddy): Accepts fruit and vegetable scraps, meat, bones, teabags, and eggshells.Garden waste (Usually Brown or Green Bins): Accepts grass cuttings, weeds, flowers, and small branches.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌BinmenRecyclingViralExpert Advice