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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think the bin men should have knocked on the door and apologised?

108 replies

Elderflower14 · 23/09/2020 11:15

We've been having lots of problems with our bin collections... The last two times our black bin has been missed... We have to log it online..
Had to log it twice this time as it missed the first time. Went out this morning withy NDN blackberrying.. Mum was at home.. Came home to find our over the road neighbour coming out looking shocked. Evidently the bin lorry came when neighbours wife was in the garden. The lorry picked up the bin and tipped the rubbish in, not only that the bin went in and got crushed...
I only knew because my neighbour told me... As my Mum said we would have wondered what had happened to it..!
I've rung the council up and ordered a new bin. I did also say that it would have been courteous for them to ring the bell and explain what had happened to Mum... AIBU??

OP posts:
Nikori · 23/09/2020 12:03

I was going to say, I can only imagine the absolute hysteria if a binman knocked on a MNer's door at the moment. It sounds like you'll get a new one no problem, so that's good.

Boulshired · 23/09/2020 12:05

You get I nice new clean bin, they broke my bin. I phoned they checked the log and I got a new one the same week. It’s only really a problem if the council chose not to believe you.

fatherfintanstack · 23/09/2020 12:05

Probably told to reduce contact with people due to Covid hence no notes or knocking.

Love the sound of Elvis, in my hometown there is a bus driver who has had an immaculate dyed black quiff for as long as I can remember

MrsSteveMcDonald · 23/09/2020 12:08

We don't have bins here, just put the bags out. Do you have to use a wheelie bin or won't they take just bags?

StopMakingATitOfUrselfNPissOff · 23/09/2020 12:08

Did you want them to shine your shoes and curtsy whilst apologising profusely too?

Seriously, not a big deal, you've ordered a new one. Move on.

WaxOnFeckOff · 23/09/2020 12:11

I've lost several bins this way (plus neighbours stole a couple...).

It's usually when the bin is extra heavy, like after they've missed a round.

Usually witnessed by a neighbour, bin men never tell you, neighbour usually shouts out when you are in street puzzled wondering where your bin has gone.

Lurkingforawhile · 23/09/2020 12:12

I'm a bit worried about my grey bin now as one handle is already missing. It feels very vulnerable. Although our bin men are lovely so sure they'll be gentle Wink

viques · 23/09/2020 12:13

@JamieLeeCurtains

Sorry to BOAST. I've had a go of our bin lorry (more a demonstration but for bragging purpose) AND one of our bin men dresses like Elvis (Not his hiviz obs but always a duck quiff and smartly turned out)

Oh yeah I live on the edge.

I'm jealous of you having a Binman Elvis, @TheQueef. Ours are like Little & Large, and the driver looks like Paul Daniels. They don't crush our bins.

I live in a terraced road and we are supposed to write our house numbers on the big stickers the council gives us for the bins using waterproof marker pen. I was very excited once in Home Bargains to find those massive wheelie bin number stickers, so I've got them on now too. I also use bin deodorant.

It really is a rock 'n roll lifestyle here.

I also use bin deodorant

Sorry, this made me laugh.

Jus du Bin, for the woman not afraid to acknowledge her urban vibe......

BIn pour homme ,for men who crush cans one handed but understand plastic recycling codes....

seayork2020 · 23/09/2020 12:14

Maybe they were too busy having an affair with one of the neighbours

Who will be knocked off in the Christmas special?

FedUpAtHomeTroels · 23/09/2020 12:15

@fellrunner85

Anyone else feel really sorry for refuse collectors? Working throughout the pandemic for low wages, in a not-exactly-Covid-safe environment. Loads of complaints to deal with, from people expecting a usual service in decidedly unusual times.

Yeah, they should probably have knocked on, to explain. But I understand why they didn't.

Low wages? No they aren't. My friend quit his job to become a bin man, he loves it and earns a lot more than he used to earn in the care sector, plus a good pension. I've seen a bin fall in when being emptied, it happens.
TheQueef · 23/09/2020 12:16

One word @viques, Scented Cat Litter. (Well, three words)
One cup full scents the bin and soaks up bin gravy.

CoffeeRunner · 23/09/2020 12:16

This sounds like the kind of incident our village FB page thrives off Grin.

I hope you weren’t greedy with the blackberries & left some for the children to pick after school (an actual previous complaint on said FB page).

Devlesko · 23/09/2020 12:16

YABU they aren't allowed to play customer service, they empty the bin and go.
Yes, accidents happen, ours was taken and thrown in a nearby lake more than once.
They find many when they dredge it once a year.
We had another where the wheels fell off after time, they replaced it.
They don't charge for replacements, even if they are going missing regularly.

spiderlight · 23/09/2020 12:18

I don't have a binman Elvis, but I do have a slightly rubbish (geddit?) claim to bin fame: when Rhod Gilbert was a binman for the day on Work Experience, the person who taught him how to pick up bin bags on the telly was one of my best mates.

amymel2016 · 23/09/2020 12:19

OP they have hundreds of bins to empty on each round and don’t have time to be knocking on doors. Plus with the current circumstances they shouldn’t really be knocking on doors! They may have logged it with the depot who should send a new one, however if you’ve already contacted the council then that’s sorted.

Bluntness100 · 23/09/2020 12:20

It was obviously an accident op. Yes they should likely have said. You will get a new bin, it’s not a big deal.

And agree just saying you were out was enough info really.

Alexandernevermind · 23/09/2020 12:20

I first read this incorrectly as neighbour was in the bin and imagined them being tossed into the wagon with the rubbish. No wonder they were shocked and needed an apology! Blush

Ovenhell · 23/09/2020 12:23

Blimey OP you’re being OTT! You’re getting a new bin .... what’s the problem? Chill out.

Plesky · 23/09/2020 12:26

My bun fell into the lorry once, I came home to no bun called the council thinking it had been stolen

Well, that's way worse than a mere bin being crushed. Buns should be cherished.

viques · 23/09/2020 12:27

@TheQueef

One word *@viques*, Scented Cat Litter. (Well, three words) One cup full scents the bin and soaks up bin gravy.
Watch it with your unnecessary recommendations if you don't mind, I'll have you know that my bin is as fragrant as the legally lauded Mary Archer, well as fragrant as her husband anyway.......
TheQueef · 23/09/2020 12:30

@Ovenhell

Blimey OP you’re being OTT! You’re getting a new bin .... what’s the problem? Chill out.
What's the problem? Have even read the thread? Bins are regularly dying in the lorry! Falling in and being crushed! FGS some people just like to watch the world burn.
Toothsil · 23/09/2020 12:31

Ours once somehow got swallowed by the bin lorry, they reported it themselves and w new one turned up.

I thought you were going to say some horrible accident involving the bin lorry had happened to the wife of the shocked neighbour! Your neighbour must be very easily shocked.

Ovenhell · 23/09/2020 12:37

That’s me queef 🤣🤣🤣

userxx · 23/09/2020 12:38

It can happen!! I've read it somewhere, I lead an intresting life!

MiniCooperLover · 23/09/2020 12:40

Our bin men recently smacked our wing mirror off our car and one of them quickly and casually put it back into place before carrying on down the road. Fortunately my DH was looking out the window at that time and ran after them and said you've broken my wing mirror. The driver denied it but husband said 'come on I saw you not 2 minutes ago do it' and they said right here's the phone number. The lady on the other end did not seem surprised but they are big trucks and we have narrow streets so I'm amazed it's not happened before 😳