Residents in Hull have been warned that their wheelie bins may not be emptied if the handles are not facing outwards, due to health and safety concerns raised by refuse collectors. The rule applies to around 200 owners of private apartments in the Victoria Dock area, who store their bins in collection cages.
Council officials claim the change is about efficiency, not safety, as turning bins around takes time. However, residents have branded the rule 'unreasonable', arguing that they cannot open the bin lids when the handles are positioned as required. They fear they may have to hire a private contractor or pay for modifications to the cages.
Janice Stone, a resident, expressed frustration, noting that binmen wear protective gloves while residents do not. Hull City Council's Doug Sharp stated that the council is working to resolve access issues and has suggested replacing bins with larger ones on castors to improve manoeuvrability.
The controversy follows a community newsletter warning about rat problems in the area, urging careful disposal of food waste. Residents await further updates as the council seeks to reconfigure the bin compounds.
