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Common bin contamination

What is “contamination”?

Types of contamination is dependant on the waste stream. We often find contamination in Recycling bins, Glass bins, Food Waste bins and Rubbish bins. These contaminants tend to hinder recycling processes so we want to help you to identify them! 

Learn about common contaminants for each waste stream through the list below.

Recycling
  1. Blue roll | Correct bin: Rubbish
  2. Ceramics (e.g. broken vases) | Correct bin: Rubbish 
  3.  Crockery (e.g. plates) | Correct bin: Rubbish / Crockery recycling scheme*
  4. Compostable food or drink packaging (e.g. Vegware*) | Correct bin: Rubbish / Compost – view commercial composting options here*
  5. Crisp packets | Correct bin: Rubbish / Crisp packet recycling scheme*
  6. Food wrappers (e.g. confectionary wrappers) | Correct bin: Rubbish / Terracycle* recycling scheme
  7. Glass | Correct bin: Glass
  8. Polysterene | Correct bin: Rubbish
  9. Tissue | Correct bin: Rubbish
  10. Batteries | Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
  1. Butchery Waste / Carcasses | Correct bin: Animal By-Products (ABP) Category 3 Waste – contact
  2. Compostable food or drink packaging (e.g. Vegware*) | Correct bin: Rubbish / Compost – view commercial composting options here*
  1. Ceramics (e.g. broken vases) | Correct bin: Rubbish 
  2. Crockery (e.g. plates) | Correct bin: Rubbish / Crockery recycling scheme*
  3. Light bulbs and tubes | Correct bin: WEEE (specialist collection – contact)
  4. Mirrors | Correct bin: Rubbish 
  5. Empty nail varnish bottle | Correct bin: Rubbish
  6. Pyrex | Correct bin: Rubbish
  7. Spectacles | Correct bin: Rubbish / Spectacles recycling schemes – MYGroup* & Recycline*
  8. Window pane | Correct bin:
  1. Food Waste | Correct bin: Food Waste
  2. Garden Waste | Correct bin: Garden Waste
  3. Glass | Correct bin: Glass
  4. Hazardous waste | Correct bin: Hazardous waste – contact 
  5. Liquids | Correct bin: N/A tip out non- hazardous liquid
  6. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) | Correct bin: WEEE
  1. Compostable food or drink packaging (e.g. Vegware*) | Correct bin: Rubbish / Compost – view commercial composting options here*
  2. Greasy pizza box | Correct bin: Rubbish
  3. Wet cardboard | Correct bin: Rubbish

3 important reasons to avoid bin contamination!

  1. Ensures that the materials you dispose of will have a prolonged life by being recycled correctly and contributing to the Circular Economy. This will also help to improve your Recycling rate.
  2. Cost savings! Did you know that a Rubbish bin empty costs nearly double as a Recycling bin empty?
  3. Keep your collections running smoothly. No missed collections or complications here!

Need a visual reminder on what can go in each waste stream? Download our Recycling posters for free here.

Curious about other waste related issues or not sure about an item? Email Sara here.

*Binit is not affiliated with any of the recycling schemes mentioned. We are only responsible for the services that we provide to you.

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