A binman has shared the dos and don'ts for dealing with excess waste. Numerous households grapple with large piles of recycling each week, as it accumulates rapidly between collections.
Given that most collections take place every few weeks, waste can mount up. When a wheelie bin reaches capacity, it can be tempting to leave the overflow beside it on collection day, in the hope it will be removed.
Yet refuse collectors sometimes leave behind any waste not contained within the bin itself. This may be because the rubbish is oversized or against council rules regarding the collection of waste left outside bins.
Can you put excess rubbish next to the bin?
Ashley, who shares content on social media as the No. 1 Binman, confirmed that it ultimately depends on the regulations set by your local authority. Councils are responsible for waste collection services, meaning they can establish their own guidelines. They determine how rubbish is gathered and which bins must be used. It is always advisable to consult your local council to know which rules apply in your area.
Ashley explained: "It depends on your council, every council will say something different. Some will allow it, some won't."
The binman noted that the authority he works for does not permit the collection of excess waste. He said: "Because we have to then pick it up and put it in the bin, but if your bin is too full, then we can't do that. Or if we do pick it up and it smashes, it is our fault and people complain."
Ashley advised that if your local authority does not permit additional waste beside the bin, the simplest approach is to wait until your bin has been emptied before adding the extra rubbish. "Some councils allow it, maybe paper," he added. "But it is how you get it into the lorry, you can't just lean in and add it in."
The binman urged: "Check your council, if they allow it then you can and follow the guidelines they tell you."
