Coronavirus: Costume-themed bin outings sparked from isolation boredom

Australians are so bored from being cooped up inside due to social isolation rules that they are getting dressed up to take their bins out.

As boredom sets in across Australia amid social distancing rules, some people have taken to dressing up in elaborate costumes when they take out their bins.

The costuming fad started as a joke in Hervey Bay in Queensland, after Danielle Askew dared another friend to dress up as they put out the bins.

RELATED: Follow our live coronavirus updates here

RELATED: Anti-parasitic drug kills COVID-19 in lab

Aussies are dressing up in elaborate costumes to feel like they’re going on an exciting outing when they throw out their rubbish. Picture: Sharron Turgeon/Facebook

It’s a trend that has since captured social media and the rest of the world. Picture: Sharron Turgeon/Facebook

"A friend posted on Facebook that she was excited because it was bin day and that it is an outing," Ms Askew told the ABC.

"I said, 'I dare you to get dressed up' and she said, 'I will'.

"So I made a Facebook page and did it (dressed up) too."

Ms Askew put on a blue gown and a crown and dressed up as Elsa, from the movie Frozen.

Danielle Askew started the hilarious trend by posting this picture, which has since gone viral. Picture: Facebook

She said she had to hold her nerve as she casually walked her wheelie bin to the kerb in fancy dress.

"I must admit I did have anxiety, but I got through it and I waved to people," Ms Askew said.

The Facebook group, called ‘Bin isolation outing’, has since gone viral, with almost 200,000 fans.

The page’s description says: “So basically the bin goes out more than us SO let’s dress up for the occasion! Fancy dress, makeup, tutu … be creative! Post photos to cheer us up — after all laughter is the best medicine.”

Looking for things to pass the time? The best shows to watch, the funniest videos, the best hacks? Find it all at our Life (goes on) in Lockdown section

Others soon joined the bandwagon. Picture: Michelle Gatley-Dewing du Bois/Facebook

Some people are having a lot of fun with the fad. Picture: Michelle Gatley-Dewing du Bois/Facebook

Although it started in Ms Askew’s small Aussie hometown, the page has attracted attention all over the world.

"It's gone all over the world; Texas, Canada, (and) all around Australia," Ms Askew said.

"It has gone viral — in a good way."

Facebook posts show a bizarre assortment of costuming, from fancy dress to animal onesies and even grim reapers.

Elephant onesies have made an appearance on the streets.

This couple are having way too much fun.

Lego costumes have also made an appearance. Picture: Shay Linton/Facebook

People even went a step further, decorating the garbage bins.

‘Trying to explain to my little bin that we won't be going to the coast.’ Picture: Lee Mavanna‎

People put stickers on their bins to make them look a little less sad.

They look fantastic. Picture: Tony Eadie

Tony Eadie has had requests to do other bins.

The initiative has appeared to lift spirits, with the response to the page being overwhelmingly positive.