UK households face £200 fines for throwing away toothpaste tubes

UK households are being warned they could face fines of up to £200 for incorrectly disposing of certain household items – including toothpaste tubes.

When it comes to recycling there are a few rule homeowners should be aware of. According to the Environmental Protection Act 1990, specifically section 46A, if your wheelie bin’s placement is causing or likely to cause a nuisance, you could be fined up to £80.

A spokesperson from Garden Buildings Direct advised: “It’s surprising what you can get fined for now, but using some common sense will mean you avoid any issues. Some simple bin etiquette will help. Only ever put your bin out on bin day – not days in advance – and once you’re home and it’s empty, bring it back to the side or back of the house. Do be careful when leaving them out. Avoid blocking driveways, bus stops, cycle paths and footpaths. If you’re going to be away, ask a neighbour or family member to do your bins for you. There’s nothing worse than smelly rubbish sitting in the bin for weeks.”

James Ward, a waste expert from Wheeldon Brothers, has highlighted some household items that aren’t recyclable and could result in a hefty fine, reports Birmingham Live.

He stated: “Common misconceptions about recycled items are animal waste, disposable nappies, glass cookware, ovenware, drinking glasses, ceramics and sticky tape. Items like tissues, wet wipes, cotton buds, and cotton wool are also unsuitable for recycling. They should be disposed of in waste bins to prevent contamination.”

He went on to explain that the exact penalties for improperly disposing of certain items varies among local councils but the fine will typically range from £60 to £200.

He further added: “Despite being plastic-based, toothpaste tubes require specialised recycling methods not typically offered through kerbside collection. Instead, consumers can explore take-back schemes facilitated by manufacturers and retailers, diverting toothpaste tubes from general recycling bins to designated recycling channels.

“While your council may accept plastic bottles for recycling, other forms of plastic packaging like wrappers or containers might not cut depending on the council. These items, though recyclable, require specialised processing beyond what’s available locally, adding to disposal costs. It’s a reminder to explore alternative disposal methods or utilise designated recycling centres for these materials.

“Understanding why certain items can’t be recycled locally sheds light on recycling challenges. Despite being glass-based, mirrors and drinking glasses differ in composition from typical glass items. Mirrors are made from mixed materials, while pyrex and drinking glasses have different melting points. While unsuitable for curbside collection, these items can be recycled through proper disposal at household recycling centres.

“Mixing metals in recycling poses complications due to varying melting points and material compositions. Though metal-based, items like pots, pans, and cutlery must be treated the same as food and drink cans. Reuse or donate these items instead, diverting them to more appropriate disposal channels like household recycling centres.

“We all use plastic bags and wrapping in our daily lives, but they can be hard to recycle because of the material they’re made of. Some councils have special collections for these items from the curb, but others don’t have the systems to deal with them properly. The recycling landscape varies, with not all councils equipped to handle certain materials like cartons. While food and drink cartons are recyclable, their acceptance in curbside recycling programs is only sometimes universal.”