Households across England with wheelie bins and other refuse receptacles risk being fined if they breach certain rules.

Central Government provides local councils with guidelines on issuing penalty notices when residents fail to comply with waste management rules.

Authorities have confirmed that council officers may levy fines when householders "do not follow your waste collection rules" if such breaches cause or potentially cause a nuisance, or have a "negative effect or is likely to have a detrimental effect on local amenities".

Penalty notices may be issued when people leave bins or rubbish so they obstruct pavements or roads, compelling wheelchair users or parents with prams onto the carriageway. Other rule breaks include leaving waste receptacles out for several days, restricting pedestrian or street access, or abandaoning damaged or overturned bins that could attract pests.

According to Gov.uk guidance, local authorities are not allowed to issue fixed penalties for trivial violations, such as accidentally putting the items in the wrong bins, leaving containers out temporarily ahead of collection, or neglecting to fasten bin lids properly.

Prior to issuing a fixed penalty, councils must contact the resident in writing, outlining the regulation breach, how it has generated or may generate issues, necessary corrective measures, and the deadline for rectification. 

Correspondence must also specify the consequences should the householder fail to take action

Should the homeowner fail to comply, local authorities may then serve a notice of intent, informing them of a potential fixed penalty, the reasons behind it, and the sum they'll be required to settle.

Homeowners are entitled to submit their reasons for contesting the penalty within 28 days from the notice date.

Councils may subsequently issue a final notice 28 days following the notice of intent. According to Government guidance: "You must consider any responses from the householder before you do this".

The final notice must identify the homeowner and specify the amount due, with the maximum full penalty set at £80. Notices must also explain the grounds for the fixed penalty being imposed, the payment deadline, the consequences of early payment, what occurs if payment isn't made, and the appeals process available to them.