UK households risk £80 fines for wheelie bin mistakes under little-known rule

Brits have been warned they could be hit with a substantial penalty for a small error that many may not be aware of, especially regarding the use of their black wheelie bins.

Paul Jackson from NRC Business Waste offered insights into this matter, reports Kent Live. He said: "Under Section 46A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, councils have the authority to issue fines if bins are causing an obstruction on the pavement. The maximum fine for such an offence can reach up to £80."

As per Government guidelines, local councils wield the power to slap fixed penalties on householders who fail to abide by the waste collection rules, particularly if their non-compliance results in:.

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For example, households can face charges if their disposal methods mean that waste is left in a way that it:

• Causes or is likely to cause a nuisance

• Has a negative effect or is likely to have a detrimental effect on local amenities.

Examples of this include if householders put waste out so it:

• Causes an obstruction to neighbours, such as forcing people using wheelchairs or buggies to walk on the road

• Restricts access to the pavement or street, for example leaving waste receptacles (bins or bags) out for several days

• Is likely to attract vermin like foxes and rats, such as leaving bags or open receptacles out days before a waste collection

• Is unsightly (torn bags or overturned receptacles are left out).

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On the other hand, London boroughs can impose penalty charges as opposed to fixed penalties, though the same conditions apply. Nevertheless, fines aren't handed out for trivial issues, for example when residents:

• Put something in the wrong receptacle by mistake

• Forget to close receptacle lids

• Leave receptacles out for a few hours before a collection.

Should any resident find themselves accused of these finable breaches, the council procedure involves three steps. Initially, they will issue a written warning laying out the contravention of waste collection regulations and detailing the consequences of continuing to flout the rules.

If you don't comply, the council can issue a notice of intent, outlining that they may impose a fixed penalty notice. You'll have 28 days from the date on the notice to provide reasons why you shouldn't be fined.

After 28 days from the notice of intent, the council can issue a final notice. This will identify the householder and inform them:

• Why they have been given a fixed penalty

• How much they must pay, noting the maximum full penalty you can apply is £80 and how they can pay it

• The deadline for the payment

• What happens if they pay the penalty early, for example if there’s a discount

• What happens if they do not pay

• How they can appeal.

For further details about bin collection rules in your area, visit your local authority's website.