\n Residents have been reminded about the rule (stock photo). (Image: Anthony Devlin \/ PA Wire)\n<\/p>\n
\n In such cases, it\u2019s common for bins to become unattached and end up being thrown from the lift, causing a serious danger to collection staff, the public and motorists who might be in the vicinity.\n<\/p>\n
\n Waste can also drop from overfilled bins while they are being wheeled to the collection vehicle, creating a street cleansing issue.\n<\/p>\n
\n Closed lids minimise spillage and help to prevent vermin (such as foxes and gulls) from taking items from bins, which leads to dirtier streets.\n<\/p>\n
\n As part of their safe working requirements, to minimise the chance of injury, collection crews are instructed to adopt correct manual handling techniques when lifting, carrying and wheeling waste receptacles to the collection vehicle.\n<\/p>\n
\n Unfortunately, it is human nature to try and catch waste falling from a bin while it is in motion, which can lead to injury. A closed bin lid will stop waste from falling out and prevent this from happening.\n<\/p>\n
\n READ MORE: Top Gear star James May selling his Porsche 911 at auction<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \n \n The councils\u2019 waste and recycling policy states that bin lids must be fully closed in order for the bin to be emptied on the scheduled collection day.\n<\/p>\n \n This requirement applies to all wheelie bins \u2013 including general rubbish, recycling and garden waste.\n<\/p>\n \n If a household has more waste than will fit in their bin with the lid shut, residents should hold it back for next time or take it to their local Household Waste and Recycling Centre in the case of general rubbish and garden waste.\n<\/p>\n \n For recycling, residents should put the extra items in a clear plastic sack or cardboard box and leave it next to the bin ready for collection.\n<\/p>\n \n Cllr Hayleigh Gascoigne, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Climate Action and Nature Recovery, at Vale of White Horse District Council<\/a>, said: \u201cOur waste collection crews work incredibly hard, whatever the weather, to empty everyone\u2019s bins and keep our communities tidy.\n<\/p>\n \n READ MORE: Great British Bake Off star Mary Berry admits husband is ‘terribly frail’<\/a>\n<\/p>\n \n Stay connected to the heart of Oxfordshire for less! \ud83d\uddde\ufe0f<\/p>\n Our Flash Sale is ON: get trusted local news for just \u00a36 for 6 months or \u00a326 for all of 2026.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss out \u2014 subscribe now! \ud83d\udc47https:\/\/t.co\/RZQMIFMB3r<\/a>\n <\/p>\n \n \u2014 Oxford Mail (@TheOxfordMail) November 18, 2025<\/a>\n <\/p>\n \n “However, overfilled bins with open lids are a safety hazard, and items can fall out, littering our streets or worse, injuring someone.\u201d\n<\/p>\n \n Councillor Sam James-Lawrie, Cabinet Member for Environment at South Oxfordshire District Council<\/a>, said: \u201cThe waste collection industry is one of the highest risk of injury jobs within the UK.\n<\/p>\n \n “Crew members are wheeling bins full of waste to the collection vehicle around 500 times per day, so it\u2019s important that their well-being is protected.\n<\/p>\n \n “That’s why we\u2019re asking everyone to work with us and check their bin before they roll it out.\n<\/p>\n \n “An open lid, even just slightly raised, signals that a bin is too full. So, to ensure the rubbish can be emptied, make sure the lid is shut.\u201d\n<\/p>\nBin collections in Deddington (PIC: Stefan Wathan).\n<\/p>\n