A waste worker known as The No1 Binman has warned that households leaving their wheelie bin lids open on collection day could see their rubbish left behind. The TikTok influencer, who has more than 213,000 followers and around four million likes, explained why crews are told not to empty bins when the lid is not closed.
Why an open lid can cause problems
In a recent video, the binman said an open lid can lead to damage during collection. "The bin could get damaged or sucked into the back of the bin lorry, because it gets trapped in the lid and pulls the bin in," he said. He also noted that residents might find their bin had ended up inside the lorry.
An open lid can also cause rubbish to spill when workers move the bin. "Everything just drops out of it, because the lid's not closed," he said, adding that there were "many reasons why we won't take bins".
Council guidance on bin lids
The binman said workers can face criticism whatever they do, whether they move the bin, empty it or leave it behind. "If we move the bin, you're gonna blame us for making a mess," he said, adding: "And if we don't tip the bin, you're still gonna blame us."
Council guidance supports the advice to keep lids closed. Renfrewshire Council lists an open lid and an overfilled bin among reasons a collection may be missed, while Midlothian Council says bins must be fully closed and not overfilled to qualify for a return collection. Scottish Borders Council also asks residents to put bins out with lids closed, both for crew safety and to prevent rubbish being blown around, and says bins should not be overfilled or too heavy to collect safely.
Avoiding a missed collection
To avoid a missed collection, residents should ensure all waste fits inside the bin and the lid shuts fully without being forced down. If it will not close, they should remove some contents and check their council's advice on excess rubbish rather than leaving bags on top or beside the bin.
Collection rules can vary between local authorities, so residents should check their own council's guidance if unsure. The No1 Binman ended his video by asking people to tell him what they expected crews to do, saying: "If you don't mind paying up for a new bin every single time, then, you know, tell your bin man."
