BinMate
A useful recycling habit is to check unfamiliar items before they reach the bin. These ten checks address common sources of confusion without assuming every council collects the same materials.
1. Using colour as the instruction
A blue, green or brown bin can mean different things in different places. Read the label and your council guide. See bin colours.
2. Leaving food inside packaging
Empty containers and follow local rinsing instructions. Packaging and its contents can need different routes.
3. Putting every glass object with bottles
Drinking glasses, mirrors and ovenware are not bottle/jar glass. Check glass disposal.
4. Treating all pizza boxes alike
Check the residue and local cardboard rules. Do not assume the dirty base belongs in a food caddy. See pizza boxes.
5. Bagging recycling without checking
Use bags only where the service asks for them. A closed bag can conceal the contents from the collection process.
6. Recycling every plastic object together
Packaging, toys, foam and flexible film can have different routes. The resin number is not an instruction to use your household bin.
7. Assuming compostable means accepted
The receiving compost or food-waste service must accept that exact material. A claim on a cup or bag is not enough.
8. Dropping batteries into ordinary rubbish
Use a suitable separate collection and check damaged-battery instructions. See battery safety.
9. Applying one lid rule to everything
Plastic caps, metal lids and film seals are different components. Follow the specific material instructions.
10. Guessing about shredded paper
It may be excluded or require special presentation. Check shredded paper before emptying a shredder into mixed recycling.
When an item is still unclear
Use the Recycle Now item finder and your council’s current list. An item excluded from recycling is not automatically safe for general waste: sharps, chemicals and electrical items need appropriate routes.
Can a calendar app solve sorting mistakes?
A reminder can help with timing, but it does not establish whether the council accepts an unusual item. Check both the date and material rules.
