‘Not worth the risk’: Officials warn Aussies over ‘game-changing’ bin trick

Let’s be honest—bin day is rarely anyone’s favourite part of the week.

For many, especially those with long driveways, mobility issues, or a couple of grandkids underfoot, the simple act of hauling two heavy wheelie bins to the kerb can feel like a full-body workout (and not the fun kind).

So, when a clever Aussie mum recently shared her 'game-changing' trick for moving both bins at once, it’s no wonder the internet went wild.



In a now-viral video, the mum demonstrates her trick: she simply tucks the lid of one bin inside the other, closes the second lid, and—voilà!—the bins are piggybacked together, ready to be wheeled as a pair.

For those with even longer driveways, she takes it a step further, hitching the bins to her car’s tow bar and gently pulling them up to the house.


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An Aussie mum has gone viral for sharing a ‘game-changing’ trick where she connects her wheelie bins and tows them up the driveway using her car, making bin day easier for families. Image source: @e.l.o.wheeze / Tiktok.



'Just chuck the first lid inside the second, close the second lid, yank it up so it’s sitting like a little piggyback and off you go,' she explains, making it look almost effortless.

Thousands of Aussies have since chimed in, calling the tip 'genius' and 'life-changing.' And let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to save a few steps (and a bit of backache) on bin day?



But before you start hitching your bins to the family sedan, there’s a catch—and it’s a big one.

While the trick has its fans, waste management professionals are urging caution. Veolia, one of Australia’s leading waste companies, has issued a warning: bins are designed to be used the 'normal' way—wheeled by hand, one at a time.

'That’s what we recommend to keep yourself safe and the place tidy,' a spokesperson told Yahoo News.

It turns out, Aussies have been getting creative with their bins for years. Veolia has seen everything from bins towed by bicycles and electric skateboards to those propelled by leaf blowers.

Also read: Experts warn: stop using this $6 Coles trick for waste disposal, big risk involved!



While these methods might make for a good laugh (or a viral video), they can also be risky.

'Get a neighbour to help if you’re struggling, check on any neighbours who need help and operate as a community,' the spokesperson advised. 'We all love our bins, but instead of giving them a tow, take the opportunity to get those steps in and walk them to the kerb—just watch out for your shins!'



There are a few good reasons to think twice before trying this trick:

Safety First: Bins are designed to be lightweight and easy to manoeuvre by hand. When you start towing them—especially with a car—you risk losing control, damaging the bin, or even injuring yourself or others. Imagine a bin coming loose and rolling into the street (or worse, a neighbour’s car!).

Bin Damage: The plastic hinges and lids on standard Aussie bins aren’t built for the stress of being piggybacked or towed. Over time, this could lead to cracks, warping, or broken lids. And while one commenter noted that a day in the sun can help the plastic 'bounce back,' repeated stress could mean you’re left footing the bill for a replacement.


Source: @e.l.o.wheeze / Tiktok.​


Council Regulations: Many local councils have strict rules about how bins should be presented for collection. Damaged bins or those not placed correctly may not be emptied, and you could be charged for repairs or replacements.

Collection Truck Compatibility: Bins are designed to be picked up by sidearm collection trucks, which require the bins to be within a certain weight (usually no more than 70kg when full) and in good working order. Damaged bins may not be collected, leaving you with a smelly problem.

Read more: Aussies make common bin mistake, get tagged without realising

Key Takeaways

  • An Aussie mum has gone viral for sharing a ‘game-changing’ trick where she connects her wheelie bins and tows them up the driveway using her car, making bin day easier for families.
  • Thousands of Aussies praised the clever trick on social media, but waste management company Veolia cautioned that bins are designed to be moved manually for safety reasons.
  • Veolia has seen all sorts of creative methods for moving bins, from hitching to cars and bikes, to using leaf blowers and electric skateboards, but they emphasise putting safety first and working together with neighbours if help is needed.
  • While the bin towing trick works with Australian bins (and any minor lid bends can be fixed by leaving them in the sun), residents are reminded to keep bins under 70kg when full so collection trucks can operate safely.

Have you tried this wheelie bin trick, or do you have your own clever solution for bin day? Maybe you’ve seen some truly wild bin-moving methods in your neighbourhood! We’d love to hear your stories, tips, and even your bin-related mishaps—share them in the comments below!
 
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Nothing new, I was doing that for over 8 years.
When I lived in a townhouse, my unit was the very last one on the peak of the hill. I kept 2 straps in the boot of my car, which I hooked on both sides of the bin handle and the metal hook of my boot lock.
Neighbours would stare at me as if I fell out of a tree. Didn't bother me, it's better than falling on my head!
Every week on 'Bin Day', I drove it down on my way to work and drove it back up when I got home!
 
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If the bins are too heavy to pull up or down a hill, and the council rubbish pick up trucks will not drive up and down the hill to collect the rubbish , then let it be. Better that the bins are hooked onto the back of vehicles, for transport , rather than being left full of rubbish, on the property, without being collected. If the council has issues with this method of the way residence are transporting their bins up and down the hill, then the council should tell their drivers to drive up the hill and responsibly collect the rubbish from the bins, as that is what they are paid to do by the rate payers. 🙏🦋
 
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If the bins are too heavy to pull up or down a hill, and the council rubbish pick up trucks will not drive up and down the hill to collect the rubbish , then let it be. Better that the bins are hooked onto the back of vehicles, for transport , rather than being left full of rubbish, on the property, without being collected. If the council has issues with this method of the way residence are transporting their bins up and down the hill, then the council should tell their drivers to drive up the hill and responsibly collect the rubbish from the bins, as that is what they are paid to do by the rate payers. 🙏🦋
If I could do it every week for over 8 years, with not one single problem to the bin or my car - anyone can!
 
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if you have a doctors certificate and ask the council to lookat the slope of your driveway if approved you can leave them at the bottom of your drive way and the council will take them up and bring them back down when emptied
 
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