With so many contaminates that can ruin the recycling, it’s no surprise that if we can’t see what it is, it ain’t coming in. That’s why in this week’s blog we’re discussing bin bags and the sad demise of a pink unicorn.
The operatives at our Materials Recycling Facility would like to see a blanket ban on black bin bags. Or any non-see through bag for that matter. Not only are the bags themselves often non-recyclable, but they usually contain items that should not be included in kerbside recycling. Some chief culprits include textiles, toys, garden waste and food waste, all of which risk damaging the machinery and halting the recycling process if they sneak in.
Just this week a black bag arrived at the recycling plant that included a very large fluffy pink unicorn. At least it was. But no glitter, fairy dust or magic could save the poor creature. Luckily it was removed quickly from the conveyor belt before it traveled too far, but if it had got further through the process, it would have contaminated otherwise good recycling and potentially damaged the machinery too.
Even if a plastic bag contains 100% brilliantly recyclable materials, the operatives can’t see that. Sadly the time it takes to open and go through the products, alongside the potential risk to staff in opening a bag of unknown items, means the bag and all its contents are often rejected.
So what are the alternatives?
- Donate to charity - If you do have toys that your children have outgrown – please don’t reach for the recycling bin. Remember there are potentially other children across the city who might want them. Charity shops have now reopened across Plymouth and you can also use an online site like free cycle and someone can come and take it off your hands.
- Green bins ― Put your recycling loose into one of our green bins for kerbside collection. It doesn’t need to be bagged, you can just place it straight in.
- Keep it free ― Please don’t put your recycling into bags. Just put it free in the containers.
- Here’s a tip ― many items that can’t be included in kerbside collection can be recycled at our recycling centres. Visit our website for a full list of what materials can be recycled and to find your nearest centre.
- Return it ― many plastic bags, including carrier bags and bread bags can now be recycled at your local supermarkets. To find your nearest recycle point head to recycle now.
Don’t forget, you can always check what can be included in your household kerbside recycling on our website