Council's warning against common bin hack putting residents at 'significant risk'
Many Aussies weigh down the bin lids to stop cockatoos from getting in, or the wind from flinging it open. But now, one council has warned against it and has shared what to do instead.
If there's a way to keep your rubbish from spilling out of your wheelie bin, chances are, many Aussies would be up for giving it a go. Windy weather and pesky cockatoos have been known to fling open the bin's lid resulting in waste being scattered across front gardens, forcing frustrated residents to take action.
In the past, residents have taken it upon themselves to find a solution to the common problem including using water bottles and cable ties to weigh down the lids. One man from Barden Ridge in Sydney’s south previously told Yahoo News Australia he spent an entire year trying to come up with a solution to cheeky cockatoos.
But while these hacks work wonders at solving the frustrating issue, one council has warned against it.
The reason, according to the City of Onkaparinga council, which looks after suburbs in Adelaide's south, is because these items, including heavy items like bricks, can pose a risk to passers-by. It can also cause damage to the bins and the garbage trucks, as well as other vehicles on the street, it recently warned.
"Our waste and recycling team often sees residents using items such as bricks, rocks or other heavy items to keep bin lids closed when the bins are placed on the kerb for collection, particularly during windier weather. Other residents have identified birds getting in their bins and scattering rubbish as a reason for placing or affixing items on top of their bins," a council spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia.
"The problem with this practice is the significant risk these heavy items pose to passers-by, collection trucks, damage to bins, and even passing vehicles when the bin is lifted to be emptied, which can cause the heavy item to be flung into the air.
"Even cable ties break down and our drivers have seen bottles of water become projectiles, flung over the tops of the truck when this happens."
What can residents use to stop wheelie bin lids from opening?
Instead, council suggests using bin straps, a bin latch or a lid gravity lock, however each comes at a cost. Although "we offer our residents a subsidised SafeWaste bin latch for $7.50 each at our customer service offices (recommended retail price is $15)," the spokesperson said.
Council warned its residents of the "important bin safety" reminder on social media this week, encouraging locals to take different steps when it comes to managing their bins.
"I have found that if we use our bins correctly and separate what can be composted, birds and animals are not really a problem," one said. "I use the straps brought from the council for red and recycled bin, lids no issues at all now," another shared.
Responding to the post, some noted they "don't put our bins out if it's windy" — a suggestion also made by council.
"If you have space in your bin, you can also consider waiting until the next collection week when the weather may be calmer to put your bins out," a spokesperson told Yahoo. " Another option if you have excess material for your bin is to chat with your neighbours to see if they still have space in their bins on collection day."
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