Navigating neighbourhood etiquette can sometimes be as tricky as a game of chess, especially when it comes to the weekly ritual of bin day. For many of us in the over-60s community, ensuring our bins are collected without a hitch is a small but significant part of maintaining our household routine. However, what happens when a neighbour's actions throw a spanner in the works?


This was the dilemma faced by a South Australian woman, who found herself at her wit's end due to her neighbour's 'inconsiderate' parking habits on bin day. Every week, like clockwork, her neighbour would park his car right outside her property, obstructing access to her wheelie bin and preventing the garbage truck from emptying it. The frustration of having to contact the council repeatedly to rearrange collection was growing tiresome.


But as they say, necessity is the mother of invention, and it was this ongoing issue that led the woman to discover a simple yet effective solution. After seeking advice, she was introduced to a 'No Parking' bin sticker by the City of West Torrens Council. These stickers, while advisory and not legally enforceable, serve as a polite reminder to fellow residents to keep the space in front of wheelie bins clear on collection day.


The woman eagerly applied the sticker to her bin, and to her relief, it seemed to do the trick. In a follow-up TikTok video, she reported a significant improvement, with only one subsequent incident where a car parked in front of her bin, but it was moved later that night.

The 'No Parking' bin sticker initiative was first introduced by the City of West Torrens Council back in 2018 as a community-focused solution to a common problem. Since then, it has been helping residents across Adelaide's western suburbs. In the previous year alone, 86 stickers were distributed to locals, and already in 2024, 51 stickers have been issued to those in need.

The council's stance is clear: bins should be placed at least one meter away from parked cars to ensure safe and efficient collection. While the waste contractors will do their best to empty all bins, even those obstructed by vehicles, there are times when access is simply not possible. In such cases, residents are encouraged to report a missed bin collection either by phone or through an online form, and the contractor will return to handle the job.


This story has sparked a debate among Aussies, with opinions divided. Some social media users have pointed out that there seemed to be enough space between the car and the bin in the video, suggesting that the neighbour was parked legally and not at fault. Others have shifted the blame to the council, arguing that it's the truck driver's responsibility to manoeuvre around any obstacles to collect the bins.

However, the consensus among many is that a little consideration goes a long way. The 'No Parking' bin sticker is a testament to the power of a simple, polite request in maintaining harmony on our streets. It's a reminder that sometimes, the solutions to our daily grievances can be straightforward and community-driven.

For our readers, have you encountered similar issues on bin day? What creative solutions have you come up with to ensure your bins are collected without any problems? Share your stories and tips in the comments below – your advice could very well be the perfect solution for someone else in our Seniors Discount Club community!

And remember, if you're facing persistent issues with bin collection due to inconsiderate parking, reach out to your local council to inquire about 'No Parking' bin stickers or other measures they may have in place. After all, it's these small victories that keep our neighbourhoods friendly and functional.