The upset homeowner claims they’ve been having trouble with their neighbour since moving in
A homeowner has turned to Reddit to voice their frustration over a ‘horrible neighbour’ who keeps using their black bin to dispose of rubbish. Posting on r/HousingUK, the homeowner claimed the problem has been ongoing since they moved into their new home.
They explained: “I am 26 year old and new house owner in UK. I’m from different country and been in UK for 4 years and this is my first year in our new house. So we have a shared drive way with my neighbour where the left half is ours and right half is my neighbours.
“Since we moved in recently I haven’t yet ordered all 3 bins, and just got one bin for now. My neighbour keeps putting his bins in my place as on his driveway he has got 2 cars and that’s kind of not spacious for him.
“But I was fine with it as I still don’t have all 3 bins. But then sometimes he puts his rubbish in my black bin because his is full. It’s not like I don’t have space in my bin but I just didn’t like him putting it without even telling me. This is the second time he put it in.”
Unsure how to respond, the homeowner asked Reddit users for advice. “I don’t know if that’s common here between neighbours or I don’t understand if I should tell this to him and if so how do I go and tell him about that? Because I’d have been fine with it if he asked and did it. He didn’t ask me about putting his bins in my place and not about the rubbish either.”
Replying to the post, one commenter said: “I’m British and I would say it’s unusual for a neighbour to use someone’s bin without asking. I would just go over and say you have noticed them using your bins and some of your driveway space, and that you would prefer if they ask in future. You are entitled to do whatever you want with your property and that includes say no to having his bins there.”
Another wrote: “Definitely tell him, it’s not something you do without asking. Sounds like he’s just seeing how far he can push it!”
What the law says about using a neighbour’s bin
If you’re having a problem with a neighbour, Citizens Advice shares guidance on resolving neighbour disputes. If you feel comfortable and safe doing so, it’s generally advised to approach your neighbour, either by speaking to them or writing a letter, in order to discuss the problem.
You should describe the problem and what you would like them to do about it. If your neighbour is a tenant, you might talk to their landlord, or if there’s a residents’ or tenants’ association in your area, you might ask them for help.
If all else fails, you might decide to contact your local council. Luke Dejahang, Gardening Expert and CEO of Crown Pavilions told Ideal Home: “Using a neighbour’s bin without permission can lead to fines due to several reasons. Firstly, waste bins are considered personal property, and unauthorised use can be seen as trespassing or theft of services.
“Additionally, many local councils have specific regulations against someone else’s bin to ensure proper waste management and avoid overflow issues. Improper disposal can also contaminate recycling streams and attract pests, posing public health risks.” Gov.uk enables people to report fly-tipping or illegal waste dumping.
