A binman has warned residents in the south east not to place greasy cardboard pizza boxes in recycling bins, explaining that the grease contaminates the material and makes it unrecyclable. According to Ashley, known as the No1. Binman on TikTok, such boxes should instead go into general waste to avoid having bins refused by collection crews.
Many households regularly enjoy takeaways, leaving piles of cardboard boxes and trays after the meal. While it may seem obvious that pizza boxes belong in recycling, the correct disposal method depends on their condition. Ashley shared a video on TikTok detailing why pizza boxes with grease should not be placed in recycling bins.
Binman Explains the Grease Problem
In the video, Ashley said: “Pizza boxes, I’ve been banging on about them for absolutely ages, it doesn’t go in there. When it has grease on it, it’s not meant to go in there.” He noted that some boroughs may allow them in garden waste, but in most cases, they should go in general waste due to the grease.
Ashley elaborated: “It can’t be evaporated but if it has a bit of moisture in the box, it can be. But yes, pizza boxes are not recyclable if they have grease all over them. So put them in your general waste and you haven’t got this problem when they refuse to take your bin.”
Impact on Households and Waste Collection
Putting greasy pizza boxes in recycling can lead to bins being refused by waste collection crews, causing rubbish to pile up. To avoid this inconvenience, residents are advised to check the condition of pizza boxes before disposal. If they are heavily soiled with grease, they should be placed in general waste.
The advice is particularly relevant for residents in the south east, where local waste policies may vary. Ashley’s guidance aims to help households prevent their bins from being rejected and ensure smoother waste collection processes.
