Forum Topic

What Goes in Your Black Rubbish Bag?

Let me say, upfront, I am not seeking any number of lectures on this topic.I was putting out my recycling last night and saw, for at least the 30th time this year, that a neighbour had put out 2 full black bags for collection.  The household consists of up to 4 people in total - a married couple and, about half the time, their son and daughter-in-law.  No kids.They also put out recycling (I don't know how much) including a council garden wheelie bin.My black bag consists of: polystyrene; stuff made of mixed material (such as Coffee Mate tubs); other non-recyclable plastics (e.g. stir-fry sauce sachets); some toiletries; and non-recyclable wrapping paper.Annything else goes in the boxes or on the compost heap.  I also keep a box for miscellaneous metal objects (such as crown cork bottle tops and large bag ties) and take these to Greenford dump for recycling when I visit through the year.What else do people put in their black bags?I've never had the chance to ask my neighbour directly but, if I get the chance to subtly raise the subject, will do so.

Phil Kay ● 4064d13 Comments

Hmmm

Philip Coe ● 4064d

Perhaps this should below in a separate thread, but I specifically mentioned bonfires and flytipping Phil, because I have very recent experience of dealing with both, by talking to those responsible as well as reporting it to the Council.I was completely dumbstruck recently when told by a builder working on my bathroom that he would take the rubbish out but he would leave on the street corner because "Ealing Council have this weekly service and they will come and take it away". Honestly, you could not make this up. I drove it to the rubbish tip myself and insisted on a discount for wasting my time.Another local idiot was bent on regularly lighting bonfires to burn building waste and trees he cleared from his garden, and this finally ended after visits from the fire brigade, the Council inspectors and eventually a large fine.

Tom Carroll ● 4064d

"...What do you put in your black bags, as a matter of interest?"Not much Phil - we only put half a bag out usually. This week we had empty food tins, old paint brushes, a lot of old and tatty Christmas decorations and bunting, fruit juice cartons, general household detritus and some old food. We put plastics in white bags, garden rubbish in the green bags and old newspapers and magazines in the green rectangular box. We don't have a wheelie bin(yet).

Gerry Tan ● 4064d

Yawn, another thread hijacked by the ruddy cyclists.Diddums.

Nigel Brooks ● 4064d

Tom - I don't disagree with you but, imo, this is all about education and that needs to come from the Council, supported by us.Denouncing one's neighbours or lecturing them is unlikely to work or to foster good relations.  If you have practical tips on how make this work, I'd be very glad to hear them.

Phil Kay ● 4064d

Thanks Gerry.What do you put in your black bags, as a matter of interest?  I hardly ever put one out these days.

Phil Kay ● 4064d

No lectures from me Phil, only gripes about black refuse bags. I wish people wouldn't put them out too early for collection - 'cos the foxes can tear them apart and scatter the rubbish over the pavements - nasty sight.

Gerry Tan ● 4064d

All the verbal garbage and hurled abuse that people shove my way when I am out on the bike gets thrown away every Wednesday in my black bag. My bin bag is usually full of vermin, especially after catching those damm beasts rat running. Anything else you would like to know?

Ben Owen ● 4064d

It is very much everyone's business to challenge ignorant neighbours and their advocates who are oblivious to the need to recycle their household waste. Those who do not recycle recyclable materials pollute the environment, in the same way as do those who do not see the need to use skips and either light bonfires to burn building waste or engage in mindless flytipping, which you and me then have to breathe or trip over. Out of sight, out of mind it is not, because if we do not soon run out of space to dispose of all that waste, then our children certainly will.

Tom Carroll ● 4064d

I did say I'd be subtle!Agreed it's none of my business on a one-to-one level but there is a considerable Borough-wide impact if (potentially) recyclable material is being sent to landfill.I will let you know what she says, if I ever get the chance to ask!

Phil Kay ● 4064d

You probably dont need  a lecture but its none of your business what your neighbour puts in his black bags it will be interesting what his reply will be when you do ask him

Jack Ryan ● 4064d

I had two bags (actually 1 1/2) for the first time this year.One was full of blasted polystyrene painted wallpaper (can't be recycled) two full hoover bags (don't ask) and a dead paint roller.The other half had my normal non-recyclable waste.

Nigel Brooks ● 4064d

Beats me - there's 4 of us and we don't fill one per week. Just non-recyclable packaging.

Sam Salisbury ● 4064d