Overview
- Refuse collector Ashley, known online as the No.1 Binman, posted a TikTok that was picked up by local outlets on Wednesday and urged households to change two common habits.
- He warned that leaving dark plastic food‑waste caddies in direct sunlight raises internal temperatures, speeds spoilage and attracts flies that can breed into maggots.
- Ashley said residents should always use biodegradable or compostable caddy liners or otherwise bag scraps because loose food lets flies in and creates persistent smells.
- He also stated that refuse crews will not clean out unlined outdoor food‑waste bins, leaving cleaning and hygiene responsibility with households.
- The guidance comes after food‑waste collections became legally required in the region in March and is meant to help councils process scraps into compost or renewable energy rather than landfill.