Can you be fined for overfilling your wheelie bins? Experts explain the rules

Yahoo

26-05-2025

Have you got a lot of rubbish to get rid of this week? Sometimes, UK households have more rubbish and recycling to sort than usual and you might wonder if you'll get fined for overfilling your wheelie bin.
While going to the tip is an option for many, it's not always the most convenient so you might find yourself trying to fill as much space in your bin as you can. But can this cost you?
Waste management specialists Wheeldon Brothers have shared the rules for overfilling your wheelie bin and some tips to make sure you stay on the right side of the law.
Wheeldon Brothers is warning homeowners that putting too much rubbish in their bin could lead to fines of up to £110, with different rules in place depending on where they live.
Residents across the UK are being urged to check their local waste rules after it emerged that overfilling a wheelie bin could lead to a fine, missed collections or even legal action.
While it may seem like a harmless mistake, leaving a bin overflowing or with the lid ajar is considered a breach of waste disposal regulations in many areas and it's something local authorities are cracking down on, Wheeldon Brothers explains.
For example, in Basingstoke and Deane, residents can face £80 fines for waste offences.
Croydon Council has also issued penalties of £100 or more to households repeatedly found in breach of bin usage rules.
In other areas, such as Nottinghamshire, overfilled bins are often left uncollected and residents are issued with warning notices.
Wheeldon Brothers is warning homeowners that putting too much rubbish in their bins could lead to fines of up to £110 (Image: Getty) According to Wheeldon Brothers, the issue is more serious than people realise.
'Bins that are overfilled or left with the lid open can cause waste to spill out onto streets, attract vermin, and create environmental health issues,' a spokesperson for Wheeldon Brothers explained.
They added: 'It's not just about how it looks – it can present real problems for hygiene, safety, and efficient waste handling.'
Many councils have now introduced stricter enforcement, with repeat offences potentially resulting in formal action or escalating fines.
And as more authorities refuse to collect bins that exceed set limits, households are being encouraged to pay closer attention to how they manage their waste.
'If your bin is too full or too heavy to be safely handled, or if additional bags are left on top or beside it, it may not be collected,' the expert said.
They continued: 'To avoid this, break down large items, recycle as much as possible, and don't rely on your bin being emptied if it's clearly overloaded.'
The rules vary from one local authority to another, with some allowing a small gap in the lid, while others insist it must be fully closed.
Side waste, which means any extra bags left next to the bin, is now banned in many regions.
'We always advise residents to check with their council, especially if they've recently moved or are unsure of the specific rules,' the spokesperson continued.
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'Managing your waste properly isn't just about avoiding a fine – it's about doing your part to keep the local area clean and safe for everyone.'
To avoid breaking the rules, Wheeldon Brothers recommends:
Flattening cardboard and packaging to maximise space
Separating recyclables correctly to reduce pressure on general waste bins
Using food and garden bins if available
Never forcing lids shut or leaving additional bags on the kerb
'A few small changes in how you dispose of your rubbish can make a big difference. Fines are avoidable – it just comes down to being a bit more mindful,' the spokesperson added.