Classically Aussie bin act is a red flag for neighbours

Should you be doing this? We asked the experts to weigh in.

Putting some excess rubbish into a neighbour’s bin isn’t that big of a deal, right? It’s the Aussie way!

Well, apparently not everyone agrees, with one Reddit post sparking a debate around bin etiquette, and what is and isn’t okay on bin day.

Now, everyone’s weighing in.

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Image: iStock.

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Isn’t it normal?

A Melbourne local has taken to Reddit after a dispute broke out over them putting cardboard into their neighbour’s bin.

“Australians - is it normal to put near, odourless items in a neighbours bin, once it’s out on the street?” the poster began.

“I just got a serve from the old lady around the corner for putting excess cardboard in her bin.”

Inferring it might differ from place to place, the post specified that they grew up in regional Victoria, where ‘once the bins were kerb side it was fair game’ as long as it wasn’t a fish carcass or dog poo bag, as opposed to where this incident occurred in Melbourne’s north.

Comments on the post were mixed, with some saying they would never do it due to complaints like this from neighbours or council, or just because it’s plain selfish.

“If you're in a council like mine where they actually have cameras on the trucks and regularly send out notices for bin infringements, then probably not the best idea,” one said.

“Don’t put stuff in people's bins. How do you know they don’t need the space?” said another.

Others said they’d ask first.

“I personally would want the neighbour to ask me, as we may be planning on adding more items to the bin after we've put it on the kerb,” one commenter said.

“I have no problem if someone asks!” said another.

But, lots said it was fine regardless, and no big deal.

“You can put it in there so long as it's not overflowing (so birds don't pull stuff out) and so long as it's not disgusting (like mouldy food etc). Beyond that, people are just being over protective of their bins,” said one commenter.

“I have NO issue with anyone putting anything in my Wheelie Bins once they are out. But apparently people feel VERY precious about "their bin". No logic to me,” said another.

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The Kidspot team weighs in

Of course, the Kidspot team had their own thoughts on the issue - and they were just as vast as the comments.

For Nama, based on her own negative experience, bin sharing is a big no-no.

"I moved to a new place with limited bins, and thinking nothing of it, literally on bin night when the street was full of bins, I did put a small bag in my neighbour's. When I returned from dinner, the bag was on my doorstep, torn open with my electricity bill protruding out - which is how they worked out where I live,” she said.

“Not very neighbourly but I learned my lesson!"

Clara agreed with the sentiment.

“As someone that has lived with 5 people and one red bin —don't put your rubbish in. It makes things difficult and you are forcing someone else to take on your space problems. If you are desperate maybe ask — but I wouldn't put it in at any time,” she said.

Liz said that there is a time and a place for it.

“I think if you are to add anything to someones bin it should be after the bin is out on the street on bin night and if it's more than a small bag, you should ask your neighbour,” she said.

And Leah noted that it probably depends on the neighbours more than anything else.

“I think it depends on the neighbour. I had one elderly neighbour who would always be OK with us using her bin when ours was too full - the only rule she had was no seafood and make sure the lid closes,” she said.

“Even if you know they're ok with it, it's always polite to ask or give them a heads up. It's just basic manners from you combined with being a nice neighbour on their part. I have another neighbour who would be a hard no!”

But, is there a right answer?

To try and figure out the real answer, we reached out to the experts at Veolia Waste Management.

Whilst there’s no official yes or no, as it depends on the people and area, Veolia ANZ CEO and Managing Director Richard Kirkman said there’s definitely a right and a wrong way to go about it if you are thinking of putting something in a neighbour’s bin.

“This is definitely a local issue and up to the local council to set policies based on how people live, look after each other, and want to create a caring community,” he said.

“I would think letting someone use your extra space, if there is any, for the right materials is the Aussie way!

“And if done correctly it’s a win-win for everyone - more recycling.

“What we have to watch out for is contamination of the recycling and green bins, which is all part of our long term ecological transformation of cities.

“We are using the latest Artificial Intelligence gadgets to identify what has gone in the wrong bin and let people know, so we can get better at this household chore of “doing the right thing”.

“As far as the etiquette goes, you should get to know thy neighbour first! And, as my lovely wife always reminds me, if I bought less new stuff in the first place, or reused and repaired better, our bins would never be full!”

Originally published as Classically Aussie bin act is a red flag for neighbours