A binman has warned that recycling collections will be missed if bins are placed more than six feet into your garden, a mistake many households make without realising.
TikTok user @theno1.binman said refuse collectors won't collect bins if they're positioned more than six feet into the property. In a clip, he wrote: "When the bin is more than six feet into your garden," as he mimed along to the song My Lovin' by En Vogue. The lyrics repeat "never gonna get it", making his message clear: if bins aren't positioned correctly, they won't be emptied.
Public reaction and assisted collections
Not everyone in the comments was sympathetic. One user asked: "Would you get it if an elderly person lived there?" He replied: "If you can't bring it out, you can sign up for an assistant collection where we agree where we get it from and return it to."
One commenter said they didn't "think that people know" about this, while another suggested it's important to "apply through your local council". A further commenter pointed out binmen in their area throw their trash "down the road," noting it feels unfair for collections to be missed when bins are on your property. That said, if a bin is six feet inside the property, collectors may simply not spot it.
How to ensure your bins are collected
When setting bins out for collection, check your local council's guidelines, as these can differ depending on where you live. Most councils ask you to place bins on the edge of your property, right by the kerb, so collection crews can reach them without difficulty. Leaving bins in the wrong spot — such as behind a fence or too far up your driveway — could mean they're overlooked entirely.
Timing is equally important; bins should generally be put out either the evening before or early on the morning of collection day, as workers begin their rounds at the crack of dawn and won't double back if your bin isn't ready when they pass. It's also vital to use the bins properly. Councils typically provide separate bins for general waste, recycling and sometimes food or garden waste. If you place the wrong type of rubbish in a bin, or overfill it so the lid can't shut, the bin collectors may refuse to empty it.
Assisted collection for those with mobility issues
Always double-check what's allowed in each bin, as putting the wrong items in your recycling or garden waste bin is a frequent cause of missed collections. Ensure bins aren't blocked by parked cars, walls, or other obstructions, as the collection team needs clear access to manoeuvre and empty them. If your area requires you to attach a tag, sticker, or position the bin in a particular way, make sure you follow those guidelines too.
For those who are disabled, elderly, or have mobility difficulties that make it hard to move bins to the kerb, most councils provide an assisted collection service. This means the bin collectors will come onto your property – such as up your drive or to your front door – to collect and return your bins. To access this service, you'll typically need to contact your local council and complete a straightforward application form, outlining your circumstances and providing any required medical details or proof of disability. Once approved, the council will notify the collection crew, and they'll take responsibility for moving your bins to and from the collection point each week.
If you're finding things difficult, don't be afraid to get in touch with your local council's waste management department, as they're on hand to make sure everyone can access bin collection services no matter their physical ability.
