Binman issues ‘not recyclable’ warning over everyday items

A binman has issued a warning to households about disposing of everyday electrical items, saying they should never be put in general waste or ordinary recycling bins. The No1 Binman, who has more than 225,000 followers and four million likes on TikTok, regularly shares advice about rubbish collections and common household waste mistakes.

In a recent video, he answered a question about whether bin crews would collect smaller electrical appliances, including alarm clocks and hairdryers. He explained that the rules depend on individual councils, with some offering special bags or boxes for small electrical items: “Well, it depends on the council. If they do, they will have a special box or bag. Small devices will go in. You do not put them in your general waste bin. You do not put them in the recycling bin.”

The council worker-turned-social-media star also warned against putting larger household appliances, such as microwaves and kettles, into ordinary plastic recycling collections. Instead, he advised people to take unwanted electrical goods to their local household waste recycling centre or check whether a nearby retailer offers a suitable recycling service.

“They’re not recyclable within your plastic recycling bin,” he said. “Some people put microwaves and kettles. No, do not go in there. You’re meant to take them to the tip. That’s absolutely fine. You can take them to B&Q or something like that.”

His advice is backed by UK Government guidance, which says electrical products should not be thrown away with household rubbish when they are no longer wanted or working. The Office for Product Safety and Standards says items carrying the crossed-out wheelie bin symbol should instead be taken to an appropriate collection point.

There are several ways to dispose of unwanted electricals responsibly. Household waste recycling centres generally have designated areas for electrical equipment, while some councils offer separate kerbside collections.

Retailers also have take-back schemes. Government rules require large retailers selling electrical equipment to accept an old equivalent item for free when customers buy a replacement.

Larger stores with sufficient electrical sales space must also accept small electrical items, measuring less than 25cm, for free without a purchase. B&Q says customers can take small electrical items, including kettles and hairdryers, to its in-store recycling units without charge.

The No1 Binman urged viewers to check their local council’s arrangements before putting anything out for collection: “Some councils, obviously, like I said, do have a bag and stuff too, but please check with your council for the best place to put them. Any more questions, let me know and have a lovely day.”