Food waste bins often go missing because they lack a house number, according to a refuse collector, who says the issue is not the binmen's fault.
Why bins end up miles away
In a TikTok post, Ashley, known as the No1 Binman, explained that windy weather can carry lightweight food waste bins away if they are not labelled. He said: "It's that time of year where the wind starts picking up and if you have a food waste bin and don't have your number on it, it could end up a million miles down the road."
Ashley added: "It's not the bin men's fault, it's because they don't weigh a lot. So once you take the food out, they get put down and if they're not taken in straight away, they could end up down the road."
How to keep your bin safe
He urged households to put a number on the top of their food waste bin, noting that stickers can also be applied to general bins. "The bin men will make sure it goes right back outside your house and then it's up to you to go and get it," he continued.
Labelling helps bin crews return containers to the correct property after collection and prevents loss or theft. It also stops neighbours from accidentally taking a caddy and keeps bins from getting mixed up on shared streets. Numbers on the top lid are easier for collectors to spot under street lights during early morning winter pick-ups.
Weather-resistant numbers for food waste bins are available from online marketplaces, DIY stores or custom label websites. Food waste bins are smaller than standard wheelie bins, so buyers should look for smaller sizes, around 10cm to 14cm high.
