Brits have been warned against making recycling bin mistakes that could result in fines of £400. Councils are increasing enforcement on "recycling contamination", where one wrong item, such as a greasy pizza box or plastic bag, can result in an entire and sent to landfill. Repeat offenders in some areas have been slapped with fixed penalty notices, and many residents are still unaware of the financial implications of incorrect recycling.
Common errors include: mixing plastic bags or film with other recyclables, leaving food residue on containers, recycling greasy cardboard like takeaway boxes, disposing of broken glass in the wrong bin, and combining batteries or electronics with general recyclables. Councils such as Bristol, Reading and Cardiff have from £100 to £400 for repeated contamination despite warnings.
Waste management company said that while many people may believe "wishcycling" (or "wishful recycling") is harmless, the repercussions can be severe.
A spokesperson said: "Most people have good intentions when they recycle, but if you put the wrong items in, it can ruin the whole load.
"When a recycling bin is , soft plastics or glass in the wrong stream, councils often have no choice but to send it to general waste - and the costs are passed back to residents.
"Councils are under pressure to meet recycling targets, and contamination makes that much harder. That's why enforcement is becoming more common, especially where contamination is repeated or deliberate."
Wheeldon Brothers added: "If in doubt, check your council's recycling guide or look for symbols on the packaging. Every local authority has slightly different rules, so what's recyclable in one area might not be in another,".
With rising recycling costs and contamination levels, some councils , CCTV, and waste inspectors to clamp down on households that consistently get it wrong.
"This isn't about punishing people - it's about helping the system work. If one household puts the wrong item in, it can impact dozens of others on the same round. We all have a part to play."
