A binman, known as The No1 Binman on TikTok, has issued an important message to takeaway lovers: don’t put your food boxes in the wrong bin.
Despite pizza boxes being made of cardboard, their grease and food residue mean they cannot be recycled. The same goes for burger and kebab packaging, which are often contaminated by grease and leftover food. The No1 Binman emphasizes that these items should be disposed of in the general waste bin to avoid contamination in recycling.
In a recent video, he explained: “Takeaway boxes do not belong in your recycling bin. I don’t know any council that accepts them with food or grease on. If your council does, please let me know.”
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He continued, “Pizza boxes might be cardboard, but once they’re greasy, they’re not recyclable. Don’t put them in your paper recycling bin. Some councils might allow clean pizza boxes in compost bins, but you should always check local guidelines first.”
He also clarified that packaging from restaurants like McDonald’s and similar burger outlets should not be placed in the paper recycling bin due to grease contamination. Clean paper bags can be recycled, but if they are dirty or greasy—like when a chip falls inside—they must go in the general waste bin.
Regarding kebabs, The No1 Binman warned that polystyrene containers absolutely do not belong in recycling bins and should be disposed of with general waste.
Reactions from viewers varied: some said their local dustmen accepted takeaway boxes, others shared they always disposed of them in recycling without issues, while some admitted they had to stop separating greasy packaging after waste collectors refused to take their bins.
Local councils support these recommendations. Birmingham City Council advises against recycling pizza boxes with food or grease. City of Wolverhampton warns that greasy pizza boxes are too contaminated for recycling. Walsall Council and Sandwell Council also request residents place heavily soiled takeaway packaging, such as pizza boxes and chip papers, into general waste bins.
Following these tips helps keep recycling clean and efficient, ensuring valuable materials are properly processed and reducing waste contamination.