Can I leave my bins out while I’m on holiday? Your legal rights explained

WITH August officially here, Brits will be heading off on holiday for some much needed relaxation. However, amidst the packing rush, many may forget to move their wheelie bin – an issue that can unexpectedly land you with a hefty fine. An unknown law can penalise Brits for leaving out their wheelie bins for too long Credit: Getty Leaving bins out for collection when heading on holiday, even with good intentions, gives the council the right to send a written warning, or issue a large fine. This is down to a rather unknown law that can penalise Brits for putting out their bins incorrectly. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Under the Environmental Protection Act, local councils have the power to hit you with a penalty if your bin becomes a nuisance to neighbours. This can be for a number of reasons, including putting waste out that causes an obstruction to neighbours, forcing people using wheelchairs or buggies to walk onto the road. It can also be issued if your waste bin looks “unsightly”, such as bags being torn and wheelie bins being turned over. Two specified rules, however, directly target Brits leaving their bins out for a long period of time, such as to go on holiday. Fines can be issued if the bin restricts access to pavements and streets, caused by leaving any waste receptacle out for several days. It also includes if the bin is likely to attract vermin, such as foxes and rats, which also occurs when bags and bins are left for several days before waste collection. Most read in The Sun If these rules are broken, the council can send you a warning, and even issue a Fixed Penalty Notice to your household, which is set at a maximum of £80. To dodge the fine, get a friendly neighbour, relative, or friend to wheel your bin out on collection day when you go away, and take it back in once it is empty. Before jetting off on holiday, it is important to check the exact date of your bin collection, leaving you enough time to make these arrangements and avoid an unnecessary £80 fine. Comment now