The little-known wheelie bin rule that could see you slapped with £80 fine

Breaking a little known wheelie bin rule could see you slapped with an £80 fine. Homeowners could be given a fixed penalty notice if their bins are causing a nuisance, gardening experts have warned.

Under section 46A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, households could be hit with a fixed penalty if the placement of their wheelie bin causes or is likely to cause a nuisance, BirminghamLive reports.

A spokesperson for Garden Buildings Direct said: "It's surprising what you can get fined for now, but using some common sense will mean you avoid any issues. Some simple bin etiquette will help. Only ever put your bin out on bin day - not days in advance - and once you're home and it's empty, bring it back to the side or back of the house.

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"Do be careful when leaving them out. Avoid blocking driveways, bus stops, cycle paths and footpaths. If you're going to be away, ask a neighbour or family member to do your bins for you. There's nothing worse than smelly rubbish sitting in the bin for weeks.

"Make sure you look after your bin too. If it gets damaged then it's worth contacting your local council. Many will replace or fix them free of charge. Finally, and this sounds obvious, but make sure you're putting your rubbish in the correct bin. Bin colours aren't uniform across the country so if you're in a different area, it is important to check.

"Check too what can go in recycling and garden rubbish. You may be surprised at what is and isn't allowed."

Responding to the warning, one homeowner said: "What a cheek. The refuse collectors in my area need fixed penalty fine because they chuck recycle boxes on pavement and leave wheelie bins there as well.

"We have driveways so there is no excuse. Just could not care less plus health and safety rules do not seem to apply to them. No point in complaining. Gets you nowhere."