There's nothing more frustrating than forgetting it's bin day and being stuck with mountains of rubbish spilling over for the next two weeks. This happens to me way too much, so I've been on a mission to find clever tips and tricks to help me remember.
If your memory is as bad as mine (or if you're unsure when your bin day even is and just copy what your neighbours do), I've put together a simple guide that will help us both.
Below, you'll learn how to easily check your local area's bin collection dates and keep up with new recycling rules, plus get four ideas to help you remember when it is.
Article continues belowHow do I check my bin day?
You can check your area's bin collection dates on the government website. After entering your postcode, the site will tell you the name of your council and direct you to their website, which lists all the days you need to know. You'll also be able to find out what can and can't be recycled so you can organise your rubbish more efficiently.
Some councils even offer free SMS, email and app notifications to remind you before bin day and to make you aware of any disruptions or rule changes.
Image credit: Gov.uk
Step one: Enter your postcode and click 'find your local council'
Image credit: Gov.uk
Step two: Go to your local council's website
Image credit: Bristol City Council
Step three: Find your collection dates
How do I remember my bin collection days?
1. Set a reminder on your phone
One of the easiest ways to remember your collection dates is to set a reminder on your phone. There are even dedicated apps designed to help you, such as BinDays. Alternatively, the best smart hubs can be programmed to alert you on a certain day, either through a message on your phone or out loud on a speaker.
2. Write it in a calendar
If you prefer a good old-fashioned calendar over a digital one, make a note on it when it's bin day – but make sure you check it regularly! Over time, this will become engrained in your weekly routine, and you won't forget. You can even buy magnets and stickers which show you which bins need taking out at a quick glance.
These colour-coded magnets make it obvious when bin day is and can be easily moved each month.
3. Create a sticker for your bin
Another handy trick for remembering your collection day is to place a sticker on your bin. You can buy a big roll for under £5, like these ones from Amazon, and position it discreetly on the back. This is helpful for the whole household – especially if you're away and others don’t have a reminder set up.
4. Sign up to council alerts
As mentioned earlier, some councils offer SMS and email alerts to give you a heads-up about your bin days – you just need to sign up on their website.
By following these tips and tricks, you'll never miss bin day again and will even be able to help fellow forgetful neighbours know when to put theirs out.
If you're looking for ways to conceal unsightly bins, you'll want to browse these stylish wheelie bin storage ideas and kitchen bin ideas.
