Managing your bin in windy weather

So what can we do to stop this from happening? We've spoken to the team at Cleanaway who empty our household kerbside wheelie bins across Geelong. They've given us their top tips for putting your bin out on a windy day.

Top tips for putting your bin out on a windy day:

• Handle in the wind: If the wind is blowing in the same direction the bin handle is facing there is the chance for its' lid to blow open and act like a sail causing your bin to fall over. On extremely windy days position your bin handle into the direction of the wind so the wind is effectively blowing the lids shut.
  If you do this your bin will probably take longer to empty (it may need to be 'shaken' by trucks the lifting arm) but this is still preferable to rubbish flying everywhere and drivers having to stop the truck every few houses to pick bins up. If it is not very windy make sure to place your bin as normal (facing the street) this way drivers can complete their rounds on time.
• Keep your bin out of the gutter: Placing your bin in the gutter means the base is positioned at an angle so is less stable in strong wind. Regardless of whether it is windy or not keeping your bin out of the gutter also means it is less likely to clip the kerb when lifted and have its wheels damaged.
• Keep your distance: If you have the space position your bins far enough apart that it if one falls over it will not knock over the other.
• Assess whether your bin can wait a week: This tip won't work for everyone but if you live alone live an extremely low waste lifestyle or even went away for a long weekend your bin might have enough room left for another week. Bins that are only partially full generally weigh less and are more likely to tip over. So if you can wait until the next week.

We want to hear from you

Some residents around Geelong have purchased and installed bin springs or bin straps on their bins. These devices are designed to keep lids shut on windy days stop rubbish escaping if they fall over and keep wildlife out. If you have a bin spring or strap we'd love to hear what you think about it.

Get in touch by emailing us.