A waste collector has issued a stark warning to households across the UK: if your wheelie bin is overfilled, you risk it being left unemptied on collection day. The advice, shared by a binman known online as 'The No1 Binman', highlights a common error that leads to unwanted waste piling up outside homes.
The Critical Mistake That Stops Collection
In a recent social media video, the expert explained the primary reason crews might refuse to empty a bin. "If it's overfilled, if it's open a bit, and it's not flush, it's more likely to fall over on the floor," he stated. He clarified that collection teams are instructed not to take bins that are piled too high, logging them as 'overfilled' on their systems. The fundamental rule is that the service paid for covers one bin with the lid fully closed – nothing more.
The issue isn't just about tidiness. Overfilled bins pose genuine operational hazards. Waste can spill out when the bin is lifted by the lorry's mechanical arm, littering the street. Material can also be ejected from the vehicle if the loading mechanism isn't clear, although crews will typically pick up any immediate spillage they see.
Why Councils and Crews Enforce the Rules
Refusing to collect overfilled bins is not arbitrary; it's a standard policy for multiple safety and practical reasons. These bins can damage collection equipment, cause dangerous spills on roads and pavements, and attract pests like rats and foxes. Furthermore, excessively heavy bins can lead to overweight charges at waste processing sites, incurring extra costs for the local council.
When a bin is rejected, crews often place a notification sticker on it, explaining the issue so residents can rectify it before the next scheduled collection. Side waste – extra bags left beside the bin – may also be left behind if the bin itself is too full.
How to Ensure Your Rubbish is Taken
To avoid being left with uncollected waste, residents should follow a few key steps. First and foremost, ensure the bin lid closes fully. All waste must fit inside the bin with no overflow. Proper recycling can significantly reduce the volume of general waste, helping to prevent overflow issues.
If you consistently have too much rubbish, contact your local council to inquire about requesting a larger bin, if available. It is crucial to check your specific local authority's rules, as policies on side waste, bin sizes, and collection frequencies can vary. Ultimately, as the binman concluded, while crews do their best, preventing overfilling is the resident's responsibility to ensure a smooth and safe collection for everyone.
