Overview
- Ashley, the TikTok refuse collector known as The No1 Bin Man whose video was highlighted Monday, said plain greeting cards go in paper recycling while those with glitter, paint or handmade add‑ons belong in general waste.
- Recycling mills struggle to process glitter and thick paints because the particles cannot be filtered and the coatings stop paper breaking down in water.
- Contaminated recycling is often left uncollected with a warning tag, and councils can issue penalties to households that keep breaking the rules.
- People can cut off glittered or painted sections to recycle the plain part, and they can also repurpose decorative cards for crafts.
- Rules differ by local council, so residents are urged to check council guidance or use Recycle Now’s postcode tool for what goes in each bin.