Plastic hangers should never be placed in your recycling bin, according to a refuse collector with 13 years of experience. Ashley, a binman who shares professional advice on TikTok, says these items belong in your general waste bin instead.
Responding to a follower's question about whether plastic hangers can be recycled, Ashley answered with a firm "No." He acknowledged that "some people do" put them in recycling, but explained why it's not advisable.
Why plastic hangers are not recyclable
Ashley explained that plastic hangers are made from a hard plastic, which is a different type from the plastic used for bottles and containers. This makes them unsuitable for standard household recycling collections.
"They shouldn't be in there, they should be in your general waste bin, because it's a hard plastic, and a different type of plastic to bottles, and containers," he said.
If the hangers are still in working condition, Ashley suggests donating them to charity shops, which will likely accept them. Alternatively, at stores like Primark or Matalan, you can simply say "I don't want the hanger" at the checkout to avoid taking them home in the first place.
For broken hangers, Ashley advises putting them in the general waste bin. He also noted that wooden hangers should go in general waste too, though some recycling centres may have a separate section for them. "Check with your local council because every council is different," he added.
Birmingham's recycling rules
Birmingham operates a specific sorting system for recycling. Depending on where you live, you might have the traditional single recycling bin with an inner pod, or be part of a newer pilot scheme with separate bins for different materials.
In both systems, the blue-lidded bin is for mixed recyclables. Under the traditional system, households use a "Paper Pod" insert to keep paper separate, but the new pilot scheme provides a dedicated green-lidded bin for paper and card.
The grey-lidded bin is for anything that cannot be recycled or composted, which is where plastic hangers should go.
Impact on Birmingham residents
Bins and waste collection have become a major issue in Birmingham, with a prolonged strike by refuse workers, financial pressures, and a controversial change to the collection schedule. Ashley's advice comes as residents are being urged to think more carefully about what they recycle.
By following this guidance, residents can avoid contaminating recycling loads and help ensure that recyclable materials are processed correctly. For more information on local recycling rules, residents are advised to check with Birmingham City Council.
