Is it an offence (to put rubbish in someone elses bin?)

movilogo

Why not simply ask the neighbor if you can use their bins?

Most cased they would say yes. Just ask.

[Deleted User]

I have the opposite problem to most here.
We have a house which is backed onto by a wide alley which is gated and so can only be accessed by neighbours and the Council. People never actually collect their bins back onto their property, but take out their rubbish to the bins which are left standing in the Entry. Most people just fill any random bin (I do it myself), but some antisocial individuals insist on placing their black bags on the floor next to the empty bins! Cats (and I suspect other animals) then rip open the bags foraging for food which leaves rubbish strewn everywhere. The bin men won't take anything left outside wheelie bins.

So my question is this; If I pick up this rubbish and put it into an (empty) bin am I acting illegally or is the person dumping the rubbish solely to blame?

Davesnave

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

So my question is this; If I pick up this rubbish and put it into an (empty) bin am I acting illegally or is the person dumping the rubbish solely to blame?

You are clearing-up fly tipping for the council. Special dispensation.

cyclonebri1

Moneyineptitude wrote: »

So my question is this; If I pick up this rubbish and put it into an (empty) bin am I acting illegally or is the person dumping the rubbish solely to blame?

No, just responsibly. but precious few respect that today:A:A:A

didgeridoooo

Does anyone have a knowledgeable answer to the original question? I need to know if there is a law against doing this, I don't care for people's feelings on the matter, specifically just need to know if its illegal or not, and if so, under what law. Anyone know ?

EachPenny

didgeridoooo wrote: »

Does anyone have a knowledgeable answer to the original question? I need to know if there is a law against doing this, I don't care for people's feelings on the matter, specifically just need to know if its illegal or not, and if so, under what law. Anyone know ?

Strictly speaking it could be classed as flytipping. The neighbour's bin hasn't been provided for you to dispose of your domestic refuse so using it in that way is unlawful.

Whether or not you might be prosecuted for doing so is the question. If you do it repeatedly and the neighbour complains then possibily, especially if they obtain evidence you are doing so. On the other hand, councils can simply issue fixed penalty notices, which is far simpler than actually taking people to court, so the risk of action being taken against you is not necessarily low.

The relevant legislation is the Environmental Protection Act 1990. The relevant sections include 46, 60 and 87. Councils (and courts) have taken a fairly loose approach to interpreting EPA1990, so for example although section 60 "No person shall sort over or disturb" was probably originally intended to stop peope removing waste from bins, it could be argued that adding your own rubbish to someone else's bin has the effect of 'disturbing' it. Likewise the definition of 'litter' and 'deposit' in section 87 have taken on a far broader range of meanings than the legislation originally intended.

pimento

Bins, eh?

I have a massive garden and a small compostables bin that is emptied every week but we still fill it every week. When the council don't collect (like this week) I end up with more green stuff than will fit in the bin. It would make no difference at all to the bin men or the council if they were to take extra green waste but they won't, so on those occasions, I have to stick my green waste in a black bin bag and it goes into the non-recyling bin.

Where's the logic in that?

iammumtoone

pimento wrote: »

Bins, eh?

I have a massive garden and a small compostables bin that is emptied every week but we still fill it every week. When the council don't collect (like this week) I end up with more green stuff than will fit in the bin. It would make no difference at all to the bin men or the council if they were to take extra green waste but they won't, so on those occasions, I have to stick my green waste in a black bin bag and it goes into the non-recyling bin.

Where's the logic in that?

I know I can't understand it either. I think its because councils like to be seen to be doing the right thing (ie providing green bins to encourage recycling) but don't really want the cost/hassle dealing with it.

When we first had the green bins you were allowed to put out extra recycling in clear bags. This has now been stopped and they will not take more recycling than you can fit in the green big. They will however take extra general rubbish in additional bags you can purchase - there is no option to purchase bags for extra recycling.

pimento

Ridiculous, isn't it?

Davesnave

pimento wrote: »

Bins, eh?

I have a massive garden and a small compostables bin that is emptied every week but we still fill it every week. When the council don't collect (like this week) I end up with more green stuff than will fit in the bin. It would make no difference at all to the bin men or the council if they were to take extra green waste but they won't, so on those occasions, I have to stick my green waste in a black bin bag and it goes into the non-recyling bin.

Where's the logic in that?

But if you have a massive garden, where's the logic in not composting your own green waste? You surely have a few m2 for a couple of heaps?