EXCLUSIVE: A former binman has shared the unexpected difference he spotted when collecting waste in rich communities and poorer communities – and it’s something he’ll never forget
Jess Flaherty Senior News Reporter
12:00, 17 Jan 2026Updated 15:32, 17 Jan 2026
A former binman has shared the difference he noticed when collecting rubbish in affluent and poorer areas (stock image)(Image: Peter Fleming via Getty Images)
A former refuse worker has revealed the most significant difference he clocked when collecting rubbish from wealthier households compared to those less affluent. The job of a bin man is not for the faint-hearted; it’s physically demanding, often requiring early starts in all kinds of weather conditions.
These essential workers are responsible for sorting and collecting household, commercial, and business waste before loading it onto large lorries where it’s compacted to make room for more. Their work helps keep communities clean, hygienic and tidy.
One former refuse worker, who wished to remain anonymous, shared his experiences with us, highlighting a notable disparity between wealthier areas and less affluent ones.
He said: “I was surprised by the generosity and kindness some people showed us – we’d be out in the sun or working a heatwave, sweating and struggling, and so many people would come out with cold drinks and ice lollies, pushing them on us and making sure we had something to drink.
“They’d tip us too – but it was always the people who looked like they had nothing that did this. I couldn’t believe it, especially at Christmas, we’d get loads.
“I didn’t know you could tip a binman until I started working for the council; our binmen were always done before I woke up so I would never see them and never gave it a thought. When working though, there were there were some areas we’d get to later in the day and these people would always be waiting, forcing their money on us.”
However, wealthier neighbourhoods were less generous.
The 35-year-old former binman added: “I would never expect a tip for doing my job, especially when people are paying council tax which is expensive, but it was always a nice bonus and when you’re lugging mountains of rubbish about – it felt good to get that recognition and kindness from people.
“We’d done this particular area, which was very working class and not at all wealthy, before we went to a really rich area and because we’d had tips from people with less, I assumed we’d get something from the rich people but we never got anything.
“My colleague just laughed at me when I mentioned getting a tip or a drink in this area. He then told me about the time he and one of our other colleagues helped a Premier League footballer.
“I won’t say who it was, but he had all this excess rubbish and recycling to get rid of and they helped him sort it out and took it all away when it wasn’t their responsibility to do that. He just said thanks and walked off.”
He concluded: “I’m not saying you have to tip, I’m really not, but it was a shock to hear a millionaire who got extra help didn’t even bother with the gesture of a tip when people who are struggling to get by would ply us with drinks and snacks, then give tips on top. It was really eye opening.”
There are many opinions about life as a binman, often shared on social media.
Taking to Reddit, one person expressed their appreciation for binmen: “Ever since I was young, whenever I messed up I was told that I would ‘end up like a bin man’ when I’m an adult. But I never understood it.
“I respect bin men, they wake up and handle rubbish which many of us wouldn’t have the guts to do. And someone needs to do it.
“So whenever I walk past a garbage truck with someone operating it, I just give them a polite good morning. They deserve it!”