Be a good bin-neighbour

From not leaving rubbish that smells outside, to looking after neighbours' bins while they are on holiday – there is an etiquette to being a bin-friendly neighbour.

Taking the time to look out for others living close by can build a sense of community and create a pleasant environment for residents.

To stay on good terms with fellow neighbours, the following six courteous rubbish habits are good ones to follow;

Let neighbours use your bin if they don’t have space

At times, some households will have more waste than others, so if you have space to spare it’s good to share it with neighbours so that bags aren’t left piled up out in the open vulnerable to wildlife attack.

Take your neighbour’s bin back to their house following collections

If you’re wheeling your bin back to your house and you see your neighbour’s standing at the kerb, just wheel it back to the front of their house, it will take seconds and they’ll thank you for it and return the favour if they get a chance.

Take over your neighbour’s bin duty if they are on holiday

If your neighbours go away, offer to sort their bins whilst they’re gone – it doesn’t take more than a minute and when you go away you’ll be able to ask them to do the same.

Don’t use your neighbour’s bin without asking first

If you have no space in your bins for your rubbish, don’t simply plonk it in another’s bin without asking first. Give them a knock and explain the situation and if they’re happy for you to use it then go ahead.

Don’t keep smelly rubbish in front of the house

If you have rubbish that smells in your bins, don’t keep it outside your house – keep it in the back garden or take it to another bin so it’s not affecting others.

Don’t leave rubbish out for seagulls to find

Seagulls love rubbish, so don’t make it easy for them to attack your bin bags by leaving your bin lid open or piling up bags next to bins outside – you will end up with rubbish strewn up the street and unhappy neighbours.

Founder of JunkHunters.co.uk, Harsha Rathnayake said: “In a typical street, there will be a mix of residents, many with varying working patterns who are unable to sort their rubbish bins for collection. Elderly neighbours may be in need of assistance with their waste disposal as they may find it hard to move heavy bins.

“To build good relationships with your neighbours, always try and assist those in need and offer help if you feel someone is struggling.

“Allowing surrounding households to use your bin if theirs is too full is also a nice gesture, as is offering to sort bins whilst a neighbour is away. These easy steps are simple to do and will help towards your area becoming a nicer, tidier place to live.”