Quite common in the UK actually and I have never understood it either. All you need is some coned off pedestrian walkways to keep the two separated. Walking to the recycling centre would certainly reduce the congestion that I've encountered there. A crazy rule.

Is it possible a device to remove horse shoes.

Sell/use by dates are a load of rubbish put on food packaging by manufacturers to cover themselves. In general if food looks and smells off it generally is, otherwise it's fine.