‘Easy to use': Simple fix for major Aussie problem

The simple fix has been widely welcomed by residents from council areas across the country, with trials ongoing.

Councils have a simple fix for an issue plaguing Aussie households.

Bin clips have been rolled out across councils across the country to curb the issue of bin lids being flung open by birds or the weather, often leaving rubbish strewn across the street.

The City of Campbelltown in Sydney’s southwest has trialled the clips, which secure the lid to the body of the bin, and a spokesperson said it had been widely welcomed by the community.

“Council conducted the bin-lock trial between June and November 2023 across five suburbs before extending the trial to the remainder of the LGA, with 258 participants,” the spokesperson said, according to Yahoo News.

“Council has resolved to relaunch the bin-lock trial to make it available to businesses and apartment building managers and to increase promotion and awareness among the wider community.”

The City of Monash in Melbourne’s southeast has also implemented a trial.

“Monash council has been trialling bin latches on two residential streets to help prevent waste from escaping,” a June statement read.

“Residents on both streets have been surveyed about the trial, with most people finding the devices easy to use and resulting in reduced litter on their streets and in our drains and waterways.

“Pleasingly, over 90 per cent of respondents indicated they would continue using the latch if it was left on their bin. We will use this information from residents to review the program and how we use it in the future.”

Bin latches have been rolled out across Australian councils. Picture: Supplied

The latches aim to keep birds out of bins. Picture: Supplied

The trials follow a warning from the City of Onkaparinga in Adelaide’s south against residents taking matters into their own hands with makeshift solutions.

“Please avoid using bungee cords, bricks, rocks or other heavy items to keep bin lids closed,” the council said in a post to social media in July.

“These can pose significant risks to passers-by, cause damage to the bins, our collection trucks, and even passing vehicles when the bin is lifted to be emptied.”

According to the council, residents are using these items to keep the lids closed during windy weather or to keep out birds.

But they have the potential to cause damage when the bins are picked up by the waste trucks and the items go flying into the air.

The council suggested using bin straps, latches or gravity locks to keep lids in place.

The bin latches are sold for $7.50 by the City of Onkaparinga, with subsequent purchases $15 each.

“After a trial with residents in December 2021, 100 per cent of residents that responded were happy with the latch and would recommend to others,” the City of Onkaparinga website states.

“We are excited to offer these to residents at a subsidised price.”

Originally published as ‘Easy to use': Simple fix for major Aussie problem