A refuse collector has revealed the reason your wheelie bin sometimes goes missing after collection, even if it clearly displays your house number, and has shared advice on how to prevent it.
The Mystery of the Vanishing Bin
Many residents have experienced the frustration of retrieving their wheelie bin from the kerb on collection day only to find it has disappeared. Despite being clearly marked with house numbers, bins frequently wind up 'miles away', according to Ashley, a refuse collector known on social media as 'Binfluencer', the No 1 Binman.
In a TikTok video, Ashley responded to a disgruntled resident whose message read: 'Bin has a number on and still got thrown 30 miles away.' The collector acknowledged that having a number on your bin is a 'good start', but emphasised that this alone does not guarantee bin collectors will know where the bins should be returned.
'You need a house number [to match it] - so many houses don't have a number on them or at least one that you can see,' Ashley explained. He demonstrated an example of a house number fitted with a light above it, which proves invaluable for refuse collectors working in darkness. 'It lights up, you just stick it to the wall - it comes with instructions to make it easy to put up,' he enthused. 'And then we will be able to see it and it won't end up 30 miles away!'
More Ways to Stop Your Bin from Going Missing
Ashley has previously highlighted other bin blunders that householders should avoid.
1. Number the Bins on the Top and Sides
In a previous clip, Ashley advised: 'Put your house number on the lid - don't put it on the side of the front [of the dustbin]. Because when you are tipping it, you don't see it as a binman no matter what direction you have your bin.' He added: 'So get your number on the lid and even your street name, then there will be no going 20 miles down the road to get your bin. You're welcome.'
2. Add a Distinctive Feature
If you are fed up with your bins being 'accidentally swapped', consider using a brightly painted stripe, coloured duct tape, a distinctive handle tag or cable tie, or a large label. Most 'stolen' bins are in fact mixed up after collection, and this helps prevent the problem. It will also assist you in tracking down your rubbish bin should it go astray.
3. Reduce the Time It's Left Out
Put your bin out as late as possible (the evening before or morning of collection) and retrieve it as quickly as you can once it has been emptied. This minimises the risk of bins being blown away or getting muddled up, so make sure to return them to their proper spot straight away.
4. If It Keeps Happening
Check neighbouring gardens immediately after collection day (common), ask your immediate neighbours, and look up your council's replacement bin policy (free versus charged varies).
