Homes could be fined up to £80 for breaking wheelie bin lid 'rule'

Homes could be fined up to £80 for breaking wheelie bin lid 'rule' Not following this simple rule could lead to harsh fines from the council Bins that break a simple rule when it's time to collect could be the reason homes are fined. Not only does this problem create a headache for homeowners, but it also comes with a range of other dirty problems, which can cost people their time and up to £80. Ashley, known online as @Theno1.binman with over 200,000 TikTok followers, claims that "it's all down to the council" if homeowners are deemed to be breaking the rules if their bins can't close properly. Some local authorities will insist that the lid is shut tightly, while others may be a little bit more forgiving if the lid cannot close all the way. Ashley said that people should always aim to keep their bin lids closed. He said: "It makes more sense for the lid to be closed. When [we] move the bin, not everything falls out." He adds that falling rubbish might become a hazard, especially if it is loose glass balanced on top. Beyond the logistics of moving the overstuffed bin, there is another risk that comes with collecting too much waste from one bin. He said: "If [we] put it up and [the lorry] rips the lid off, and you pay for your own bin, you're not going be very happy with losing the lid. Then the council aren't going to be very happy to have to replace the bin." People could risk large fines over this problem Most local authorities will simply refuse to empty an overfilled bin if the lid is not fully closed - and homeowners will have to sort out their own rubbish. In cases where an overflowing or open bin attracts vermin, blocks the pavement, or creates a mess, councils can issue warnings and fines typically ranging from £60 to £80 Some areas with a zero-tolerance approach that issue the highest possible fine for breaches include Croydon, Southend-on-Sea and Nottinghamshire. While a standard individual bin fines cannot exceed £80, the penalties can spiral even further if the problem continues to develop. Repeat offenders could face an £80 fine for each separate collection-day offence, meaning constant rule-breaking could quickly add up. Councils could eventually step up their punishments if the problem progresses to fly-tipping (between £400 and £1,000) and any refusing to cooperate with the fines could be summoned to court, facing a criminal record and fines of up to £2,500 issues by the Magistrates' Court (if convicted). What should I do if my bin is too full? If your wheelie bin is too full and the lid won't close, the most important thing is to avoid leaving it on the street with the lid open, as this is what triggers missed collections and potential fines. If you can, try to squash your rubbish as much as possible. For general waste bins, a surprising amount of space can be taken up by air trapped between bags. In recycling bins, a common culprit for taking up too much room is cardboard boxes that have not been flattened out. If your waste simply won't fit, consider taking any excess rubbish to the tip yourself. If the problem is happening more often, it might be worth requesting a bigger (or extra) bin from your local authority.