How to store your wheelie bins and boxes

Find out where you should store your wheelie bins and boxes on non-collection days, and what action we may take if you leave them on the pavement.

Where to store your bins and boxes on non-collection days

If you have an adequate private outside storage space, you need to store your bins and boxes there on non-collection days. If you leave them on the pavement you may receive a warning, which could lead to a Fixed Penalty Notice.

What an adequate private outside storage space is

Adequate private outside storage space includes: 

  • an outside front area such as a:
    • front garden
    • driveway
    • front patio area
  • a back garden (if accessible without needing to take the bins or boxes through the house) 

If you have space available and you can access it by going up three steps or fewer, we will expect you to use it. 

We don't expect you to take your bins or boxes through your house to store in your back garden.

If you don't have any access to one of the spaces above, then you can leave your bins and boxes on the pavement. In this case your bin or box should be:

  • as close to the boundary of your property or wall as possible
  • not opposite, or near to, street furniture (for example a lamp post or road sign) where it restricts the width of the pavement

When we may take action

We may take action if you leave your wheelie bins or boxes on the pavement when they are not due for collection, and:

  • you have an adequate private outside storage space
  • your bins or boxes are causing an obstruction, forcing pedestrians and those using wheelchairs or buggies to walk on the road
  • your bins or boxes restrict access to the pavement or street
  • you leave your bins or boxes out for days before a waste collection, attracting animals or vermin
  • your bins or boxes are unsightly (such as torn bags or overturned bins and boxes) 

When we will not take action

We will not take action if: 

  • you have left your bins or boxes out, but it is within a reasonable timeframe before and after a collection
  • you have left your bins or boxes out due to non-collection
  • you do not have an adequate private outside storage space
  • you are unable to return your bins or boxes to an adequate private outside storage space due to a Protected Characteristic 

Action we may take

If we receive a report that your bins or boxes are causing a nuisance, an Environmental Enforcement Officer will investigate. If our Officer finds there is an issue, they will give you a written warning. The warning will explain:

  • that the bins or boxes are causing a nuisance
  • what you must do to fix the problem
  • how long you’ve got to fix the problem
  • what will happen if you don’t comply within 28 days 

If you do not comply within 28 days, you will receive a notice of intent. The notice will explain:

  • why you are getting the notice
  • that you may receive a Fixed Penalty Notice
  • how much you’ll have to pay if you do not fix the problem 

If the problem is not fixed after a further 28 days, we will issue you with a final notice and a Fixed Penalty Notice 

Read more about our Environmental Enforcement Framework.