A refuse collector has issued a crucial warning to households across the UK about a common bin placement error that could result in their rubbish being left uncollected on bin day. The revelation highlights a specific rule regarding where bins should be positioned for collection, with significant consequences for those who get it wrong.
The Critical Six-Foot Rule
The binman, who shares content on social media under the handle @theno1.binman, explained that bins placed more than six feet into a property's garden or driveway are unlikely to be collected. This positioning creates practical difficulties for collection crews and disrupts their established routines, making it "simply too much hassle" for workers to retrieve them.
In a video that gained attention online, the refuse collector lip-synced to the song "My Lovin'" by En Vogue while displaying text that read: "When the bin is more than six feet into your garden." The song's repeated lyrics "never gonna get it" served as a clear message about the consequences of incorrect bin placement.
Public Reaction and Important Clarifications
Some viewers expressed concern about how this policy might affect elderly residents or those with mobility issues. The binman responded by highlighting that most local authorities offer assisted collection services for exactly these circumstances.
"If you can't bring it out, you can sign up for an assisted collection where we agree where we get it from and return it to," he explained. This clarification prompted discussion among commenters, with some noting that many residents remain unaware of these available services.
One commenter emphasised the need to "apply through your local council," sharing that they and their neighbour already benefit from this arrangement. Another raised concerns about inconsistency, noting that in their area, binmen sometimes throw bins "down the road" after emptying them, questioning why collection couldn't occur when bins remain on private property.
Essential Bin Placement Guidelines
To ensure your bins are actually emptied on collection day, several key factors must be considered:
Position and Accessibility
Most councils require bins to be positioned at the edge of your property, right by the kerb, where collection crews can easily access them. Bins placed behind fences, too far up driveways, or obstructed by parked vehicles, walls, or other barriers may be left uncollected because the team requires unobstructed access to manoeuvre and empty them efficiently.
Timing Considerations
Bins should generally be put out either the evening before or very early on the morning of collection day. Collection crews often start their rounds early and typically won't return if your bin isn't out when they arrive at your property.
Correct Usage and Preparation
Using bins properly is equally important. Local authorities typically provide separate bins for general waste, recycling, and sometimes food or garden waste. Placing the wrong type of waste in a bin, overfilling it so the lid cannot close, or incorrectly disposing of items in recycling or garden waste bins are frequent causes of missed collections.
Always verify what can and cannot be placed in each bin according to your local council's guidelines, which can vary significantly between different areas. If your locality requires specific tags, stickers, or particular bin positioning methods, ensure you adhere strictly to these requirements.
Assisted Collection Services
For residents who are disabled, elderly, or face mobility challenges that make moving bins to the kerbside difficult, most local authorities provide formal assisted collection services. Under these arrangements, refuse collectors will enter your property to collect and return your bins from an agreed location, such as your driveway or doorstep.
To access this service, residents typically need to contact their local authority and complete a straightforward application form. This usually involves detailing your circumstances and providing any required medical information or evidence of disability. Once authorised, the council notifies the collection team, who then assume responsibility for transporting bins to and from the collection point each week.
Proactive Communication with Councils
If you're experiencing difficulties with bin collection, don't hesitate to contact your local council's waste management department. These teams exist to ensure everyone can use bin collection services effectively, regardless of physical ability. Their goal is to prevent bin day from becoming a source of unnecessary stress for residents.
By understanding proper bin placement rules, utilising available assistance services when needed, and maintaining clear communication with local authorities, households can ensure their waste is collected reliably while supporting the efficient operation of essential municipal services.
