'Out of pocket' warning to anyone with a wheelie bin
People who have one or more wheelie bins outside their homes have been warned they could be at risk of fines this weekend. It comes as Storm Éowyn batters much of the UK with powerful winds.
Storms commonly see wheelie bins thrown across streets. Not only can this spread litter around but it can damage cars - and even properties. Mark Hall from Businesswaste.co.uk has said if this happens to your bin, you may "find yourself out of pocket".
He said: "Not all insurers will pay out for damage caused by bins if you haven’t made a reasonable attempt to secure them. You could even find yourself out of pocket, or incurring a fine from the council for littering or causing an obstruction.”
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Mark advises people to secure their bins with a lock, with these designed to fasten wheelie bins tightly to walls or posts. Lock straps for wheelie bins are also available, which help keep the bin's lid firmly closed - ensuring ensures waste doesn’t spill out, particularly if the bin tips over during a storm.
He also suggests mounting bins to a hook or wall post, before using a bungee cord to wrap it around the bin or its handles and connect it. "This is a good DIY alternative if you don’t have a lock", he added.
Another way to ensure better security for your bins in stormy weather, Mark said, is by placing them close to one another. Binding them together minimises the risk of the bins toppling over in strong winds. For added protection, consider tying them together – just make sure you remove the rope when emptying them.
And if none of the options above are possible, try placing some bricks or rocks at the base of your wheelie bin to improve its stability in windy weather. Make sure you place them next to the bin and not in it - because that itself can cause a safety hazard.