A binman from the South East of England, known online as 'The No1 Binman', has issued a straightforward plea to residents across the UK: mark your wheelie bins with your house number to ensure they are returned correctly after collection. This simple change, he argues, could resolve a common frustration where bins are left on roads or delivered to the wrong properties.
The Binman's Perspective on Collection Challenges
Ashley, who has amassed over 152,900 followers on TikTok by sharing insights into waste management, responded to viewer complaints that binmen "never" remember where each bin belongs. He clarified that the process is more complex than it appears, debunking the notion that crews handle one bin at a time.
Why Bins Get Mixed Up
In a video, Ashley explained that binmen typically drag one bin in each hand to the lorry for emptying, with some experienced workers managing three or four bins per trip. "Well, actually, we don't take one bin at a time," he said, highlighting the fast-paced nature of collections. After emptying, all bins look identical, making it difficult to recall their original locations without clear identifiers.
The Simple Solution: Label Your Bins
Ashley's key recommendation is for households to visibly display their house number on the bin lid. "What you do is you put your number on your lid, so we can see it. Crazy again. And then, it'll go back outside your house," he advised, estimating it might take just 10-20 seconds extra effort but ensures accuracy.
Practical Labeling Methods
While councils do not provide labels with bins, residents can take matters into their own hands with these options:
- Sticky Labels: Purchase adhesive stickers from retailers like B&Q or Amazon, designed specifically for bin lids.
- Marker Pen: Write the house number in bold, large letters on the lid, though this may require periodic touch-ups in poor weather.
These methods help binmen quickly identify the correct property, reducing errors and complaints.
Addressing Public Complaints
The appeal comes amid ongoing grievances from some viewers about local collection services. Ashley uses his platform to educate the public on the realities of waste management, including recycling guidelines and collection tips, fostering better understanding between residents and crews.
By adopting this small change, households can contribute to smoother operations and ensure their bins are reliably returned, turning a common annoyance into a solved problem with minimal effort.
