The multi-purpose wrap is a godsend in the kitchen
A viral binman has shared how to correctly bin cling film.(Image: Getty Images)
When it comes to getting rid of household rubbish, many of us can end up second guessing ourselves. This is particularly difficult when it comes to recycling items such as plastic.
While most rigid plastics can be placed in the household recycling bin, such as washed bottles, tubs and jars, the same can’t be said for soft plastics. One item that causes confusion for many households is cling film.
Mostly used to preserve food in order to keep its moisture and freshness for a later date, many people use cling film for lunches or for keeping food covered in the fridge. And while it’s a handy item to have, it can only be used once before it’s headed for a bin.
Which bin it actually goes in is something that’s debated by householders. Can it be recycled alongside other plastics?
Waste experts have settled the debate on the correct bin to place cling film and the reasons why.
According to Waste Zero Scotland, cling film cannot be recycled in household bin collections. Most local authorities in Scotland do not accept plastic film in its plastic waste kerbside pick up and it should be instead placed in the general waste bin.
However, the outer packaging and inner tubes of the cling film can be placed in the designated recycling bin as these are made of cardboard.
This advice is backed up by viral binman Ashley on TikTok. Otherwise known as The No.1 Binman, he has outlined what household items can and cannot be placed in the household recycling bins.
He said: “What not to put in the recycling bin. Soft plastics and film – plastic films, wrappers, and cling film usually go to specialist drop-offs, not kerbside bins unless your council accepts.”
It is important to follow the correct recycling rules as the binman warns that incorrect items can cause trucks to reject a whole load of recycling, delay collections and increase waste sent to landfills.
However, it should be noted that some supermarkets will take soft plastics for their own recycling drop offs, such as cling film.
Two companies that definitely take cling film are Tesco and Co-Op. Both supermarkets take their own branded packaging, however Co-Op stresses that limitations may apply to the recycling of third-party packaging.
Tesco states: “Our stores have drop-off points for soft plastics, which are not widely recyclable at home. By collecting these soft plastics, we ensure they are disposed of responsibly and don’t end up in landfill or the environment.”
Before disposing of cling film it is worth checking the facilities at your local supermarket so it can be recycled rather than chucked on the landfill.
Viral No.1 Binman shares what items can and cannot be recycled
What belongs in the recycling bin:
- Clean, dry paper and cardboard – flattened boxes, newspapers, magazines, office paper. Remove greasy pizza boxes or compost them instead.
- Rigid plastic containers – bottles, tubs and jars labelled with recycling symbols. Rinse and remove lids if your local scheme asks for it.
- Glass bottles and jars – empty and rinsed. Keep lids separate if required by your local provider.
- Metal cans and tins – rinse cans and squash if space is needed.
What not to put in the recycling bins:
- Food contaminated items – greasy pizza boxes, used tissues, food waste (these can often spoil loads).
- Soft plastics and film – plastic bags, wrappers, and cling film usually go to specialist drop-offs, not kerbside bins unless your council accepts them.
- Broken ceramics, mirrors, or lightbulbs – these are not kerbside recyclable and can contaminate glass.
- Electrical items, textiles, garden waste, and hazardous materials – use designated collection points of services.
