Are you making this huge bin blunder? See the shocking kerbside photo Aussies can't ignore!
- Replies 8
As Australians, we take pride in our homes and our streets, and believe it or not, even the way we put out our bins can spark a heated debate. It's a mundane task, but the kerbside etiquette of bin placement is more significant than you might think. A recent photo from Melbourne's northern suburbs has ignited an online controversy, revealing a mistake many Aussies don't realise they're making when it comes to bin day.
The image in question showed two neighbouring households with starkly different approaches to bin placement. One had their bins snugly side-by-side, while the other left a noticeable gap between each. This seemingly trivial difference has divided the nation into 'gap' and 'no-gap' factions, with passionate arguments on both sides.
Those advocating for a gap between bins argue that it facilitates the job of waste collection workers and the mechanical arms of garbage trucks, ensuring a smooth pick-up without bins getting stuck together. 'I leave a gap because I assume it would be hard for the truck driver to pick them up if they're too close together,' one resident explained, highlighting the practicality behind the spacing.
On the flip side, the 'no-gap' supporters claim that placing bins closely together conserves space on the street, allowing more room for cars to park and pedestrians to navigate the footpath. This method is often a necessity in densely populated areas with limited kerbside real estate. 'When you live in a unit block with seven units and 14 bins to pick up, there isn't room for such niceties,' a 'no-gap' proponent stated.
But what does the council say? The Merri-bek City Council, responsible for the collection of the bins in the viral photo, has weighed in on the debate. Mayor Adam Pulford revealed that ideally, bins should be placed about half a metre apart. This sentiment is echoed by councils across the country, including Adelaide's City of Charles Sturt and Hunter's Hill Council in Sydney, which advise residents to leave a 30-centimetre gap, and the City of Monash in Melbourne's west, which suggests a 50-centimetre separation.
Despite the councils' recommendations, Mayor Pulford acknowledged the practical challenges faced on narrow residential streets and the presence of parked cars. 'Our workers are great and are able to collect the bins regardless of how far apart they are,' he assured, praising the adaptability of the waste collection teams in overcoming these everyday obstacles.
So, dear readers, it seems the 'gap' team has emerged victorious in this bin battle. However, it's important to consider the unique circumstances of your street and strive for a balance between council guidelines and practicality. Next bin day, take a moment to think about your bin placement – it's not just about following rules; it's about showing consideration for the hardworking individuals who keep our neighbourhoods clean and tidy.
Have you ever given much thought to how you place your bins out for collection? Do you have any tips or tricks for your fellow neighbours? Share your stories and insights in the comments below – we'd love to hear from you! And remember, if you're ever unsure, a quick call to your local council can provide clarity on the best bin etiquette for your area.
The image in question showed two neighbouring households with starkly different approaches to bin placement. One had their bins snugly side-by-side, while the other left a noticeable gap between each. This seemingly trivial difference has divided the nation into 'gap' and 'no-gap' factions, with passionate arguments on both sides.
Those advocating for a gap between bins argue that it facilitates the job of waste collection workers and the mechanical arms of garbage trucks, ensuring a smooth pick-up without bins getting stuck together. 'I leave a gap because I assume it would be hard for the truck driver to pick them up if they're too close together,' one resident explained, highlighting the practicality behind the spacing.
An online debate has arisen over the proper spacing of bins for kerbside collection. Credit: Reddit / r/australia
On the flip side, the 'no-gap' supporters claim that placing bins closely together conserves space on the street, allowing more room for cars to park and pedestrians to navigate the footpath. This method is often a necessity in densely populated areas with limited kerbside real estate. 'When you live in a unit block with seven units and 14 bins to pick up, there isn't room for such niceties,' a 'no-gap' proponent stated.
But what does the council say? The Merri-bek City Council, responsible for the collection of the bins in the viral photo, has weighed in on the debate. Mayor Adam Pulford revealed that ideally, bins should be placed about half a metre apart. This sentiment is echoed by councils across the country, including Adelaide's City of Charles Sturt and Hunter's Hill Council in Sydney, which advise residents to leave a 30-centimetre gap, and the City of Monash in Melbourne's west, which suggests a 50-centimetre separation.
Despite the councils' recommendations, Mayor Pulford acknowledged the practical challenges faced on narrow residential streets and the presence of parked cars. 'Our workers are great and are able to collect the bins regardless of how far apart they are,' he assured, praising the adaptability of the waste collection teams in overcoming these everyday obstacles.
So, dear readers, it seems the 'gap' team has emerged victorious in this bin battle. However, it's important to consider the unique circumstances of your street and strive for a balance between council guidelines and practicality. Next bin day, take a moment to think about your bin placement – it's not just about following rules; it's about showing consideration for the hardworking individuals who keep our neighbourhoods clean and tidy.
.png){kind=icon}
