A refuse collector has shared what to do with your wheelie bin when you need it emptied while you're away on holiday. Ashley, who runs the No. 1 Binman account, was asked by a follower what to do with your bin while away on holiday or in hospital.
Simple solution for holiday collections
Ashley replied: "If you're on holiday and need your bin collected, put your bin out before you go on holiday. Then, when you get back, it will be empty." He clarified that should you be away for an extended period and another collection occurs before your return, the refuse workers will simply leave your bin as there will be nothing inside it.
For those in hospital, Ashley added: "If you are in hospital, ask a neighbour to put your bin out." If neither solution is appropriate, he suggested placing the bin "within six feet of your property," such as a driveway or front garden, ensuring it won't become obstructed by a vehicle or obstruct the pavement.
Council rules and penalties
Ashley advised: "Every council is different, and some councils might say you have to put it on the kerb side. Then that's what you are going to have to do." His followers also shared their own approaches. One commented: "Always do the neighbours when I do ours, no effort." Another added: "If you're nice to your bin men and let them know you will be away, they will collect it and put it back (well we do anyways)." Someone else wrote: "Or be nice to your bin men and they will come up the drive and collect it for you."
Leaving bins out on non-collection days could lead to penalties in certain areas. Councils have the authority to issue fixed-penalty fines if waste blocks neighbours or limits access to the pavement or road. It also becomes a problem if the waste attracts vermin. Always check with your local council what regulations apply in your area before leaving it out while you're away.
