Britons embarking on a holiday within the UK are being advised to steer clear of potential fines. Vacationers are being cautioned to familiarize themselves with the regulations at their rented accommodations or Airbnbs, as local authorities may impose penalties for a simple oversight. Neglecting to bring in your bins before departing could also result in sanctions from the council.
Experts at Wheeldon Brothers specializing in waste management caution that many holidaymakers might unintentionally violate local council rules by leaving their wheelie bins out for too long, risking fines of up to £80 if bins remain on sidewalks post-collection day. One waste expert mentioned, “It’s an easily made mistake. However, if your bin is left unattended for an extended period while you’re away, it can attract pests, obstruct pathways, and create a nuisance for neighbors.”
“In numerous areas, this action is adequate to warrant a fixed penalty under local Environmental Protection laws.” Councils have the authority under Section 46A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 to penalize residents who fail to comply with “reasonable waste collection rules,” which encompasses leaving bins out for an extended period or causing obstructions on public walkways.
The specialists added, “You might perceive it as harmless, but bins left unattended for too long can pose genuine problems in residential neighborhoods. If your bin is causing an obstruction or environmental issues, your local council has the right to levy fines, and being on vacation may not serve as a valid excuse.”
Leon Wright, aged 40, from East Twickenham, recently faced repercussions for placing his bins out ‘a few hours early’ before departing for his honeymoon with his wife Amy. He contends that the waste was properly packaged and set out on the pavement around 3.25 pm, ahead of his 7.10 pm flight from Heathrow Airport – a notable four-and-a-half hours before Richmond Council’s recommended time.
According to the council’s guidelines, residents should not place their waste out before 8 pm the evening before collection, as reported by the Liverpool Echo. Mr. Wright explained, “I only placed it out a few hours before. It was the final task before our holiday departure and the latest time possible for me to leave it out.”
Upon his return from the honeymoon, he discovered a fixed penalty notice from Richmond Council. He stated, “I returned from my honeymoon to find a fixed penalty notice from Richmond Council. It instructed us to settle it within 10 days, but we were not present to do so.”
Mr. Wright asserts that the bags were not causing an obstruction: “They weren’t blocking the pathway or inconveniencing anyone. To me, this seems like a blatant money-making scheme. I refuse to pay it. This situation is unacceptable. It’s completely unjust. I am prepared to take legal action if necessary.”
In response, Richmond Council declared, “Richmond Council is dedicated to maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and accessibility of the borough’s streets for all residents. To aid in achieving this goal, we urge residents to adhere to the guidelines on waste disposal.”
“Waste should only be placed out between 8 pm the night before and 6 am on the collection day. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in enforcement action when deemed appropriate.”
Holidaymakers should not only be concerned about potential fines but also the hygiene and pest issues linked to leaving bins unattended in the summer heat. Wheeldon Brothers cautioned, “Warm weather accelerates decomposition, and waste left baking in a bin can attract rodents and insects.”
“If the lid is not securely closed, or the bin topples over, you could return from your vacation to a mess on your driveway and displeased neighbors.”
They also emphasized that bin collection schedules frequently change during the summer, particularly around public holidays, so it is imperative to confirm the dates before departing.
To evade penalties, Wheeldon Brothers recommend the following:
