Matthew Carter, 35, who was born in Barbados, used the headgear to keep his dreadlocks out of the way while he was on his rounds in Burnley, Lancs. He had done so for seven months before his photograph appeared in a local newspaper. A number of local people complained, and his superiors called him.
"I received a verbal warning," Mr Carter said yesterday. "They told me the St George's Cross was not allowed to be seen on any clothing we wear because it could be considered offensive and racist."
Ian McInery, Pendle Council's Operational Services Manager, said: "Matt knows cleansing staff have a uniform and there are clear rules about what they can wear.
"We've made it clear to staff that they are not allowed to put stickers or flags on bin wagons or wear clothing which shows support for a particular team, group or country."
Mr Carter said: "I still need to wear a bandana, I'm wearing a skull and cross one now, to keep my hair back and away from the machine I'm working with or else it could be dangerous."
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