Latest news with #WheeldonBrothers
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Can you be fined for overfilling your wheelie bins? Experts explain the rules
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. Recommended reading: Have you found rats in your house or garden? What to do if you see rodents Which neighbour is responsible for paying for garden fence repairs? How to check Expert shares best time to water your plants on a hot day '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.
Daily Record
21-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Berries won't go mouldy for 10 days if stored in this way
Strawberries and raspberries have a very short shelf life but one storage option will see them last for far longer Berries are a great addition to the weekly shopping list as they are a nutritious and handy snack, as well as a breakfast option when paired with yoghurt or oats. But the one downside to them is they are notoriously quick to go mouldy meaning they will often have to be thrown in the bin before you can eat them. Getting a longer life from your berries is all down to storage. How and where you keep them will have a massive difference to how long they last. And storing them in one particular way can extend their life by up to 10 days, according to experts. Waste management specialists at Wheeldon Brothers say keeping berries fresh for longer not only reduces waste but also saves money at a time when food prices remain high. Strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are among the most commonly wasted fruits in British homes, often spoiling within a couple of days of purchase due to their porous nature and tendency to absorb moisture. But after testing three different storage methods, the experts found that one way of keeping your berries proved significantly more effective than the others. According to experts at Wheeldon Brothers, the reason berries spoil so quickly comes down to their high water content and natural mould spores. 'Berries are highly perishable, especially when stored in damp conditions,' a spokesperson for Wheeldon Brothers explained. 'The key is to manage airflow and moisture to slow the spread of mould.' The best method: Ventilated storage container This method involved transferring berries to a plastic fridge storage container with air holes and an internal basket that allows excess water to drain away. 'Allowing ventilation while keeping berries off the bottom of the container helps prevent them from sitting in moisture,' the spokesperson said. 'It's one of the most effective ways to store fresh berries — and can keep them edible for up to 10 days.' The container also proved to be a space-saver in the fridge, making it suitable for other moisture-sensitive produce, too. Other methods tested An airtight container with a sheet of kitchen roll helped absorb excess moisture and worked reasonably well for raspberries and blueberries. However, strawberries became soggy after just four days. 'Airtight containers can trap moisture if not properly managed,' the experts warned. 'While kitchen roll helps absorb some of that, it's not always enough to prevent spoilage — especially for fruits with softer skins.' A third method — keeping the berries in their original supermarket packaging with kitchen roll — was the least effective for raspberries, although blueberries remained firm for up to six days. ' Blueberries tend to last longer than other berries due to their thicker skins,' the spokesperson noted. 'But overall, supermarket punnets are not designed for long-term storage once opened.' Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Final verdict For anyone looking to get the most out of their fruit, Wheeldon Brothers recommend using a ventilated container and avoiding washing the berries until you're ready to eat them. 'Washing adds moisture, which speeds up spoilage,' they added. 'If you want your berries to last, keep them dry, store them in a cool place, and choose containers that allow for good airflow.' Whether you're prepping a fruit salad or just want to avoid the disappointment of mushy raspberries, this simple switch in storage could make all the difference. 'We throw away too much fresh produce in the UK,' the spokesperson concluded. 'But with the right storage, we can keep fruit fresher for longer and reduce how much ends up in the bin.'
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Food storage hack keeps carrots 'fresh for a month' without going soggy
Carrots are notorious for going off quickly as a result of their high water content - but there's a simple way to make them last for a month without turning into a soggy mess Discovering spoilage in your freshly bought fruits and veggies just days later is a real downer. Not only is food wastage an environmental no-no, it also does your wallet no favours. That's why it pays to know the tricks to extend your fresh produce's shelf life. Take carrots, a staple in British kitchens; these water-rich veggies are infamous for going off quickly. But the storage gurus at Wheeldon Brothers have offered up a simple solution to keep them crunchy and edible for a full month without turning soggy. They've offered carrot storing tips that promise to slash food waste and maintain that farm-fresh bite for nearly four weeks. "Carrots are one of the most commonly wasted vegetables in the UK," they noted. "The good news is that with proper storage techniques, they can last for weeks rather than days." Although most people chuck their carrots in the fridge, the humidity inside might turn them wrinkly or mouldy due to frequent door openings. They further clarified: "Carrots are sensitive to changes in humidity. Too much moisture will lead to mould, while too little will dry them out. The key is to create a balanced, stable environment." To keep carrots fresh, the trick is to store them in an airtight container or sealed storage bag within the fridge's veg drawer. Alternatively, submerge them in a jar of water, refreshing the water every few days for optimal freshness. Carrots can be kept at room temperature too, provided the area is cool, dry, and not exposed to direct sunlight or heat from appliances. "Room temperature storage can work well as long as you keep carrots away from heat sources," advised the spokesperson. "Don't wash them before storing - that can remove the protective skin and make them spoil faster." For those carrot aficionados seeking peak freshness, using a sealed container can help slow down dehydration. It's important to inspect your carrots regularly, discarding any that begin to soften or rot to prevent the spread of spoilage. "With the right conditions, carrots can stay fresh for up to a month - whether in the fridge or at room temperature," the spokesperson claimed. "It's all about maintaining the right balance of moisture and keeping them in a stable environment."
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Stop using a bread bin when one simple method 'extends shelf life by a week'
A waste expert has shared a little-known food storage hack that can keep bread fresh for weeks rather than days - and it involves making a simple change to how you store your loaf Bread is a staple in many homes, but it's a race against time to finish the loaf before mould takes over. Many of us end up chucking out stale and mould-speckled slices because we've not stored them right. But bread aficionados can breathe a sigh of relief as the Wheeldon Brothers reveal a nifty food storage trick that promises to keep your bread fresher for weeks instead of mere days. The waste reduction gurus are encouraging Brits to ditch traditional bread bins and stick with the original packaging – with a twist or two. "Bread is one of the most frequently wasted foods in UK households," said a spokesperson from Wheeldon Brothers. They continued: "But by making a few simple adjustments, like controlling moisture and temperature, you can extend its life and reduce the amount that ends up in the bin." It's a shocking fact that nearly 11 million loaves are binned daily across the UK, yet with savvy storage, these could have been savoured instead of scrapped, reports the Express. How to store bread Pre-sliced bread often lasts an age and then goes off overnight, while artisanal loaves like sourdough go stale just hours after cutting. For those buying bread in bags, the Wheeldon Brothers have a quirky tip: pop a stick of celery in there. "This lesser-known method could extend the shelf life of a loaf by up to a week", they claim. Waste experts have revealed that celery can be a bread's best friend, as it emits moisture which keeps the loaf from becoming dry without promoting mould growth. Storing bread in the fridge alongside celery sticks can help maintain its freshness and softness due to the cool conditions. However, they advise against using completely airtight packaging for bread storage. The Wheeldon Brothers recommend poking small holes in bread bags instead. This hack, widely shared online, involves making tiny incisions in the bread bag to let moisture out, thus preventing condensation and reducing the chances of mould. "Moisture trapped in a sealed bag creates the perfect environment for mould to grow," the experts pointed out. They added: "Making a few small holes helps reduce that risk - just be careful not to overdo it, or the bread will dry out too quickly." Bread bags, such as those made from cheesecloth, should have small holes or perforations to allow air circulation within the packaging. Alternatively, placing bread in an airtight container before refrigerating it is another method suggested by the experts. Using an airtight container provides an additional defence against external moisture and fridge smells, according to the spokesperson. "Keeping the bread in its original bag and placing it inside a container with a tight-fitting lid is a great way to keep it fresher for longer."
Daily Record
07-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Store bread with common kitchen vegetable to 'keep it fresh for up to three weeks'
Waste management specialists have shared four simple steps that can help you keep bread fresher for longer, potentially saving you money and reducing food waste Nearly 11 million loaves of bread are sold daily in the UK, but many end up thrown away due to mould and going stale. Waste management specialists have shared four tips to keep your bread fresher for longer, which could save money and cut down on food waste. With bread being a staple in 99.8% of British homes, learning how to extend its freshness is key to combating one of the most common types of food waste. The team at Wheeldon Brothers say small changes in bread storage can significantly impact its longevity, reports Plymouth Live. A spokesperson from the company said: "Bread is one of the most frequently wasted foods in UK households," They continued: "But by making a few simple adjustments, like controlling moisture and temperature, you can extend its life and reduce the amount that ends up in the bin." The celery bread trick One unconventional tip includes adding a stick of celery to the bread bag, which could keep the bread fresh for an extra week. The spokesperson said: "Celery gives off moisture, which helps prevent the bread from drying out without encouraging mould," and noted, "It's a clever way to maintain the softness of bread while storing it in the fridge." Another suggestion involves puncturing the bread bag with small holes, a trick often mentioned online, to let moisture escape, thus preventing condensation and mould formation. "Moisture trapped in a sealed bag creates the perfect environment for mould to grow," the spokesperson explained. "Making a few small holes helps reduce that risk - just be careful not to overdo it, or the bread will dry out too quickly." Try putting bread in a sealed container - or the freezer You can also store bread in a sealed container. Using an airtight container can help maintain the ideal storage environment for your loaf. "A sealed container adds an extra barrier against external moisture and fridge odours," the spokesperson noted. "Keeping the bread in its original bag and placing it inside a container with a tight-fitting lid is a great way to keep it fresher for longer." Or you could freeze and toast straight from frozen. Bread freezes well, and individual slices can be defrosted quickly or toasted straight from the freezer. "Freezing bread is one of the most effective ways to preserve it," the spokesperson stated. "By freezing sliced bread, you can use exactly what you need, when you need it - reducing both waste and cost. "With the right storage methods, bread can stay fresh and mould-free for up to three weeks," the spokesperson added. "It's a simple but powerful way to cut waste and get the most out of every loaf."
