A former binman has shared the most “annoying” habit he always judged people for when it came to collecting their rubbish – and it was a pretty simple one
A former refuse collector has revealed the most irritating habit he consistently judged people for when collecting their waste. Working in waste collection is a physically demanding role, with binmen required to sort and gather household and commercial rubbish and recycling, before loading it onto a lorry equipped with a compactor blade that drags and crushes the waste to create space for more.
It’s physically exhausting work and operatives are expected to be out in all weather conditions to help keep the community clean. One former binman, who wishes to remain anonymous, shared his experiences with us – including the most “annoying” habit he observed many residents doing.
He explained: “I started working for the council on an outdoor team, gardening and helping to clear and tidy public spaces and pathways. It wasn’t what I wanted to do but I still really enjoyed it – there was a sense of accomplishment from seeing neglected areas brought back to life.
“When the funding was cut, I had two choices – lose my job or accept any available position the council had going. I needed to keep a steady wage so ended up moving onto the bins.”
So what’s the most irritating habit residents are guilty of? Positioning their bins with the handles not facing outwards towards the road.
The former refuse collector, 35, said: “Even though it was only a few extra seconds out of my day to turn the bin around to be able to pull it over to the lorry via the handles, it all added many minutes onto the shift – especially when the bins were really heavy, too.
“When the bins are put out in the correct position, with the handles facing out to the road, we could just grab them and go, and would get through the street much faster and more efficiently.
“Like most people, binmen want to get home as quick as possible. Those early mornings are tough enough without extra time being taken up having to turn multiple people’s bins around.
“I’d always feel so annoyed if I approached a house and they’d put their bin out with the handles backed up against their wall or something. Just turn it around and your binmen will be quietly very grateful.”
He forged strong friendships and relished the camaraderie and teamwork among his colleagues during his time on the bins, but there’s one unpleasant memory that has stuck with him.
He recalled: “My worst day on the job was when someone hadn’t tied their binbag up properly – I loaded it onto the wagon, which was already pretty full, and as it was being crushed by the compactor blade, it squished and squirted the contents in my face.
“Inside, it was vomit. A bag of vomit basically exploded in my face. I just stood there for a few seconds thinking, this can’t be real.
“It’s a funny story to tell but at the time, I felt so depressed and angry. It occasionally pops into my head even now and I still shudder thinking about it.”
Fellow binmen have also turned to social media to recount their own tales from the job. In a Reddit thread, one curious user posed the question to refuse collectors: “Just out of curiosity, which is worse, getting up when it’s freezing, wet and windy outside, or doing your rounds in the height of the summer when the garbage is extra fruity? Appreciate your hard work, mind.”
Responses varied considerably, with workers split between those who despise toiling in sweltering conditions and those who can’t stand handling rubbish in torrential downpours.
One contributor recalled: “Did it about 18 years ago for about six months, rain is worse, spring is perfect and summer can be hot but you finish early to enjoy it if you have a good crew and get a move on. Some people leave you drinks out, I was surprised how nice people were.”
0 Comments