Brits warned they can be fined £500 for these two common bin habits

Brits have been warned that they could face hefty fines if they let their bins to overflow or break this summer, waste experts have warned.

As summer heats up and more barbeques, holidays and parties amp up the amount of waste households produce, waste experts from Wheeldon Brothers have told people to watch out for a couple of common problems this summer - or face being handed a large bill. According to them, a little-known law means that those with overflowing or broken bins could be fined up to £500.

They said: “Brits are unaware of this little-known rule that they could face fines up to £500 for having an overflowing or broken bin. This is from The Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 dictates that homeowners are responsible for ensuring their bins are not overflowing."

Someone putting something in public bin

The experts stressed the importance of waste management and bin maintenance, warning people against leaving rubbish outside uncovered, especially as the weather hots up. They explained: "Preventing bin overflow is important not only for aesthetic reasons but also for reducing potential health hazards. Overflowing bins can attract pests like rats and insects, increasing the risk of disease transmission and creating unsanitary conditions in the area.

"A broken or overflowing bin can lead to littering and environmental pollution, affecting both local ecosystems and wildlife habitats. Proper waste management starts at the household level, and preventing bin overflow is a basic part of this process. By managing waste responsibly, homeowners help reduce their carbon footprint and promote sustainable living practices."

Bins lining the street

They added: "We urge Brits to remain vigilant in maintaining the condition of their bins. Waiting for a replacement bin can take over two weeks, as per local council procedures. Therefore, it's crucial to act swiftly upon noticing even minor issues, such as a small crack, to avoid inconvenience and potential fines. In addition to potential fines, neglecting bin maintenance can lead to logistical challenges and delays in waste collection services as binmen may refuse to collect it. By keeping bins from overflowing or breaking, homeowners help streamline waste disposal processes and support the efficient functioning of local services."

This warning comes after a couple in Stoke-on-Trent were fined £400 for putting an envelope with their address on it in a public bin. Deborah and Ian Day were each given individual £200 fines after their local council found and fished the envelope out of the bin. According to the Environmental Protection Act 1990, throwing the empty envelope away constituted as an act of littering and it should have been placed in a household bin.