Mansfield woman's fury as council refuse to collect bin over 'closed lid' rule

The woman did not wish to be named but said it was a ‘widespread issue’ on Woodhouse Road, where she lives.

She claims the bin was left at the top of her drive ‘stinking’ for almost two weeks and she was told it would only be collected once she coughed up a £20 fee.

“I pay around £1,300 in Council Tax a year, so I told them good luck with that,” she said.

“Luckily, I have lovely neighbours who have let me use their bins, if not I’d have rotting piles of rubbish all over my yard.

“I take pride in my home and garden and like to keep them tidy, so it’s upsetting to have a stinking bin at the bottom of my drive.

“I’ve had cancer and my arm is quite weak, so it’s not always possible for me to close the bin fully.

“My son came round and managed to completely close it with a slight nudge- still they refused to collect it.”

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Mansfield District Council have since clarified whether or not bin lids need to be completely closed before collection.

Sarah Troman, head of neighbourhoods, said: “Mansfield District Council, like many councils across the country, has a closed lid policy.

“However, our crews will attempt to push down a lid that is slightly ajar and if it closes they will empty it.

“Lids need to be closed to ensure the safety of the public and our crews and to prevent bins and lids from being damaged during the collecting and lifting process.

“In addition, closed lids help to keep our streets tidy by preventing littering, deterring flies, maggots and vermin.

“Once your bin is full, you should safely store any excess waste until your next collection day or take it to one of Nottinghamshire County Council’s waste recycling centres.

“The cost of returning to empty a missed bin where the council is not at fault is £10.40.”

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