A refuse worker known as Theno1.binman has shared advice on how to dispose of takeaway pizza boxes, a common household waste item that often causes confusion. In an Instagram video, he explained that grease-stained cardboard should not be placed in recycling bins, as the oil contaminates the material.
He advised: 'If it's full of grease, goes in your general waste. If it has a tiny speck on it, then yes, it can go in your paper bin.' For boxes that are partially greasy, he suggested tearing them in half: 'Half goes in the general waste, and the good half goes in the recycling.'
The binman also noted that some councils allow pizza boxes in compost bins, but urged people to check local guidelines. He added that leftover pizza should be disposed of in food waste, not left in the box.
According to Takeawaypackaging.co.uk, grease-stained cardboard cannot be recycled because the oil becomes rancid and binds the fibres, making cleaning difficult. The site states: 'Cardboard is universally recyclable, but you cannot recycle it when it's contaminated with oil.'
New recycling rules for England, due by the end of March, will require every home to have four bins in a bid to boost recycling rates, though 37 items will be excluded.
