Households warned of £80 fines for leaving bins out

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 7 Oct, 11:08 · Archive

UK households face £80 fines from councils if they leave wheelie bins on pavements after collection day.

UK households heading off on summer holiday have been warned to bring their wheelie bins in after collection day or face fines. Some councils issue fixed penalties of up to £80 for bins left on pavements, according to waste experts at Wheeldon Brothers.

The waste company says millions of holidaymakers could unknowingly breach local council rules by leaving bins out for days whilst away. 'It's a really easy mistake to make,' a waste expert at Wheeldon Brothers said. 'But if your bin is left out for days while you're away, it can attract pests, block footpaths, and even become a nuisance for neighbours.'

The risks extend beyond financial penalties. Warm weather speeds up decomposition, and rubbish left in bins during summer can become a magnet for rodents and insects. Households could return from holiday to find their driveway covered in debris and upset neighbours if a bin lid is not shut properly or blown over.

Under Section 46A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, councils have legal power to fine residents who 'fail to follow reasonable waste collection rules'. This includes leaving bins out for extended periods or blocking public walkways.

Wheeldon Brothers advised holidaymakers to bring in their bins promptly after collection to avoid both fines and hygiene problems caused by decomposing waste in summer heat.

How it is being reported

• UK households warned that breaking little-known bin rule could see them finedWaste experts say the common mistake could also land you with a pest problem, as well as the £80 fine this summerRomsey Advertiser · 7 Oct, 10:48
• UK households warned that breaking little-known bin rule could see them finedWaste experts say the common mistake could also land you with a pest problem, as well as the £80 fine this summerBasingstoke Gazette · 7 Oct, 10:48
• UK households warned that breaking little-known bin rule could see them finedWaste experts say the common mistake could also land you with a pest problem, as well as the £80 fine this summerAndover Advertiser · 7 Oct, 10:48
• UK households warned that breaking little-known bin rule could see them finedWaste experts say the common mistake could also land you with a pest problem, as well as the £80 fine this summerSouthern Daily Echo · 7 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Wheeldon Brothers · UK

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