A refuse collector has shared what to do with your wheelie bin when you need it emptied while away on holiday. Ashley, who posts bin advice on his No. 1 Binman account, was asked by a follower about what to do with your bin while on holiday or in hospital.
Put your bin out before you go
He responded: "If you're on holiday and need your bin collected, put your bin out before you go on holiday. Then, when you get back, it will be empty."
Ashley clarified that if you're away for an extended period and another bin collection takes place before your return, the waste collectors will simply leave your bin as it will contain nothing.
Hospital stays and alternative options
The binman continued: "If you are in hospital, ask a neighbour to put your bin out." Should neither option prove practical, he suggested that you can put your bin "within six feet of your property," such as a driveway or front garden. This can prevent it becoming blocked in by a vehicle or obstructing the pavement.
Ashley emphasised: "Every council is different, and some councils might say you have to put it on the kerb side. Then that's what you are going to have to do."
Bin strategies from followers
Ashley's followers also revealed their own bin strategies when going away. One commented: "Always do the neighbours when I do ours, no effort." Another stated: "If you're nice to your bin men and let them know you will be away, they will collect it and put it back (well we do anyways)." Someone else added: "Or be nice to your bin men and they will come up the drive and collect it for you."
Leaving bins out on days when collection isn't scheduled could lead to penalties in certain areas. Always check with your local authority what rules apply locally before leaving it out while away. Councils have powers to issue fixed-penalty notices if waste obstructs neighbours or limits access to pavements or roads. It's also problematic if the waste attracts pests.
