Denbighshire County Council is threatening legal action against residents who leave their bins on the street after collection. Hand-delivered warnings state that failure to return bins to gardens or designated storage areas could result in prosecution or a Fixed Penalty Notice.
Notice details
The notice, issued under Section 46 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, instructs residents to "TAKE NOTICE" that bins are "repeatedly being left on the public pavement/highway" and requires them to be brought back "within the boundary of your property" after collection. It warns of a 7-day compliance deadline and potential legal consequences.
Councillor criticises approach
Independent councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts called the correspondence "confusing" and "heavy-handed," noting that many residents have no clear guidance on where to place bins. He referenced the troubled rollout of the council's bin collection scheme, which has led to hundreds of missed collections and significant costs.
Council defends action
A council spokesperson said the legal powers are used to secure compliance and prevent problems for neighbours and the community. They emphasised that keeping pavements clear aids accessibility, reduces spillage, and prevents bins from being blown into the highway. Residents are asked to place containers out by 6:30am on collection day and bring them in promptly afterwards.
