Nappies, dog waste and feminine hygiene products are just some of things contaminating blue bins across Hull.
In one month alone, the council collected 32,000 nappies in Hull’s blue bins.
This can ruin an entire recyclable load, costing Hull City Council thousands of pounds in fines.
Figures show that on average there is at least one nappy in every five bins, equating to nine tonnes or one full refuse wagon.
Nappies found in Hull’s blue bins.
Blue bin contamination is an ongoing problem for the city, ruining the efforts of other residents who make an effort to recycle correctly.
Councillor Anita Harrison, portfolio holder for waste, said: “The majority of Hull residents recycle and recycle well, but the amount of incorrect materials going in the blue bins is an ongoing concern for the council.
“We recognise that not having your bin emptied is an inconvenience, but too many of the wrong materials in people’s blue bins increases the cost and can potentially render the entire load collected on that round unsuitable for recycling.
“This wastes the efforts of everyone else and also contributes to the excessive costs the council has to face. Being more selective on the bins we empty is a necessary part of the process improvement.”
The correct mixed dry recyclables for the blue bin include paper, cardboard, glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles, tubs and trays, and tins. These items should be left loose.
Find out how you can improve your recycling here.
