Seeing overflowing bins along your street can be quite an unpleasant sight and can start to smell.
If it is resolved within a week after someone forgot to put their bins out, it is not too big of a problem.
However, if an overflowing bin has been left outside by your neighbour for weeks on end, it can start to become a problem.
Rubbish can attract pests, so if your neighbour's bin is too full, you might end up with some unwanted visitors in your home.
What you can do if your neighbour’s bins are overflowing
The council does have some power to act when bins are causing or "likely to cause a nuisance" or have a "negative effect or is likely to have a detrimental effect on local amenities".
Everyone should be following the rules their local authority has in place for waste disposal, including when their bin collection is and when they should be putting their bins away after collection.
On the government website it says: "The Government wishes to encourage a measured and balanced approach, where householders are not penalised for minor breaches of waste bin rules.
"The use of these penalties should focus on those who cause genuine harm to the local environment.
"It is good practice to try and inform the household about any issues on the presentation of their waste bins.
"For example, you could use a letter or information notice.
"You should do this before moving to the process of issuing penalty notices outlined here.
"Where you chose to do so, you must follow these rules when issuing fixed penalties under section 46A of the Environmental Protection Act 1990."
Local authorities are able to issue fixed penalty notices to your neighbours if they continuously fail to comply with the rules.
However, a single missed collection or leaving the bin out after collection is not enough to issue a notice.
A fixed penalty can be issued if the bins cause an obstruction to neighbours, restrict access to pavement or street, are likely to attract vermin or are unsightly.
Before going to your local authority, it is recommended you speak to your neighbour first if you feel comfortable.
If the issue continues, you should take photos and keep a record of any problems.
Local authorities will give the household a written warning, a notice of intent, and then a final notice with how much they have to pay.
Each local authority is likely to have slightly different rules, collection schedules, and policies, so it is best to check the guidance for your specific council.
Do you have a neighbour that doesn’t seem to empty their bins? Let us know in the comments.
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