South Oxfordshire District Council is reminding residents that crews can only empty household wheelie bins if the lids are fully closed.
Crew members check to make sure that the waste is fully contained within each bin. They need to do this because there is a real risk that an overfilled bin won’t attach properly to the lifting equipment at the rear of the collection vehicle. Waste can also drop from overfilled bins while they are being wheeled to the collection vehicle, creating a street cleansing issue. Closed lids minimize spillage and help to prevent vermin (such as foxes and gulls) from taking items from bins, which leads to dirtier streets.
The council’s waste and recycling policy states that bin lids must be fully closed in order for the bin to be emptied on the scheduled collection day. This requirement applies to all wheelie bins – including general rubbish, recycling and garden waste.
If you have more waste than will fit in the bin with the lid shut, residents should:
- for general rubbish and garden waste – hold it back for next time or take to their local Household Waste and Recycling Centre (you won’t get charged for household waste)
- for recycling – put the extra items in a clear plastic sack or cardboard box and leave it next to the bin ready for collection.