A tin of syrup, a pushchair and even old engine parts were among the bizarre items found in Fife’s brown bins recently.
Concrete blocks, paving slabs, cans, bottles and plastic bags have also been dumped by householders in the bins, which are meant for garden and food waste.
While the list of articles may lead to a few raised eyebrows or a smile or two, it is no laughing matter for Fife Council.
Sustainability champion John Wincott said the electricity is sold on to the national grid but explained how contamination is costing the council money.
He said: “Brown bin waste is used in the AD (anaerobic digestion) plant. This plant takes the garden and food waste and turns it into gas to generate electricity and compost for sale.
“Unfortunately, compost that is contaminated with broken glass, plastic and metal is no use at all and cannot be used.”
Mr Wincott said the issue had become so serious operators were being taken off other tasks to hand-pick contaminants out of the waste as it is delivered to the plant.
“This is a difficult job and it is costing the council money that would be totally unnecessary if people only put the correct materials in their brown bins,” he said.
Mr Wincott added: “It is vital that the feedstock into the plant is uncontaminated or the impact on the operation of the plant could be significant so please use the brown bin only for garden and food waste.”