A binman has warned people their waste runs the risk of not being collected if a common piece of packaging is spotted in their recycling. Little you may know, it can cause a big problem
Katie-Ann Gupwell Content Editor
09:09, 07 Feb 2026
He warned your bins may not be collected (stock image)(Image: richard johnson via Getty Images)
We all face the tedious chore of taking out the bins, but you might not be aware that a simple recycling error could cost you. A refuse collector, who goes by The No1 Binman, has amassed thousands of followers thanks to his useful guidance, and his most recent expert tip is definitely worth noting.
According to him, refuse collectors have the authority to decline picking up your rubbish if particular items are found in the incorrect bins. Specifically regarding recycling, crucial rules must be adhered to, and it’s vital to make sure you carry out this straightforward weekly task properly.
This isn’t his first helpful bit of guidance either. Only weeks earlier, he also used his TikTok channel to highlight another common item that can result in contaminating your waste.
In a recent clip, he said: “Every single council has different colour bins, so let’s not get caught up on the colour of the bins, because my black bin is my recycling bin. My green bin is my general waste bin but, where I work, it’s completely different.”
He then addressed a specific type of packaging that someone had queried about, clarifying it should never be put in the recycling bin. “Pizza boxes should not be in the recycling bin,” he added.
“They should be in your general waste bin, whatever colour that will be. You are told to put all cardboard in the blue bin. I don’t know what your blue bin is, I don’t know.
“Let’s just make this clear, pizza boxes – general waste bin, not recycling bin. That’s all I needed to say. It doesn’t matter what colour your bin is, it goes in your general waste.”
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You might not be aware but, when it comes to recycling, there are important guidelines you must adhere to. Failing to follow these properly could land you in trouble further down the line.
Can refuse collectors actually decline to collect your rubbish?
Whilst pizza boxes can be recycled, this only applies if they’re clean and dry. To recycle them correctly, you must remove and dispose of any greasy food residue or stained sections, particularly the base.
If the box is excessively soiled, it belongs in your general waste bin or compost heap. However, the unsoiled cardboard lid can go into your paper and card recycling container.
Grease ruins the paper fibres, rendering them impossible to recycle. Separating the uncontaminated portions is crucial to prevent contamination, so this step mustn’t be overlooked.
What many don’t realise is that refuse collectors have the authority to refuse an entire recycling bin if it contains non-recyclable items, including soiled or greasy pizza boxes. This is because food residue and grease stop the cardboard fibres from bonding during the pulping process, rendering the material worthless for recycling purposes.
One contaminated item has the potential to ruin an entire batch. It can even compromise a whole lorry load of otherwise pristine recycling.
Generally, you should adhere to a few straightforward guidelines. Take out all food items, and dispose of these in your food waste bin. Next, remove any sections that are marked with grease or oil.
Place the clean, grease-free portions of the box in your recycling bin. You can also flatten the clean parts to help conserve some space.
There are certain items you shouldn’t recycle at home, and these are typically outlined on council websites. Consult your local council’s guidance to see if any additional rules are relevant to you.
