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Original poster

What do you tip your bin men?

262 replies

ChocolateTVandbaby · 17/12/2023 16:32

Inspired by a podcast I'm listening to... wondering whether people tip their binmen and if so what with? My mum leaves beer out for them. Some people I know give cash. What do you give and how much?

OP posts:
DelilahBucket · 26/12/2023 12:00

Nothing, we never see them. As for the recycling team, they are so unbelievably shit and create so much mess (more recycling on the street than in the truck), they don't deserve a tip.

Megifer · 26/12/2023 12:13

Nothing at all because they always leave bins half way up the street scattered all over the pavement and when I asked them once if they could not do that with my very frail neighbours as she struggles to walk even 10 metres they said no reason I couldn't bring it in for her (I'm not in half the time so yes, there is a reason) so they can 🖕

43ontherocksporfavor · 26/12/2023 13:01

Mine leave my bin in front of my drive every time so when I get home after work I have to get out to move the bin so I can park in my driveway! Grrrr

MightyK · 26/12/2023 16:13

I think I heard the same podcast 😂 I usually give them some chocs (haven’t done it yet so might have to be for new year ) but now feel very tight so think will leave a tenner, I think there’s only 2 of them though. I’d baulk at giving them £30!

Augustus40 · 29/05/2024 18:07

I never tip them. They leave the bins in a disorganised fashion. Even if they left them in a perfect manner it would never occur to me to tip them. They are in a secure salaried job and it comes with a council pension.

Mrburnshound · 29/05/2024 18:10

£20

4YellowDaffodils · 29/05/2024 18:12

TheSingingDefective · 17/12/2023 20:51

The auditors looking at Birmingham City Council’s financial issues found that the average bin collector in that area is earning £47,000 a year for working 30 hours a week. They are officially contracted for 38 hours a week at £29,000 a year.

They are contracted to do 4 x 9.5 hour days but their allocated daily round takes about 6 hours after which they are allowed to go home. The 5th day, which is required as the 4 day rota doesn’t cover enough collections, is paid as overtime at 9.5 hours x time and a half. Again, it takes about 6 hours. So the average bin collector actually only works 30 hours and gets paid for 51.75 hours a week.

I was going to say something along these lines. I work in a role where I know exactly how much they get paid. And it's a fuck load more than I do for fewer hours.

Boomer55 · 29/05/2024 18:13

Nothing. They are getting paid a good whack.

NotAmazonAlexa · 29/05/2024 20:39

I give them cold drinks in summer, sometimes sweets to share.

CallThatCloudy · 29/05/2024 20:44

Tipping binmen? So tell me, how are things shaping up back there in 1965?

Papyrophile · 30/05/2024 21:54

I tip. Every one gets a thank you card with Xmas good wishes, and a £10 note. Pool it or pocket it. That's not my business. But my son works in hospitality, and is not customer facing. As a chef, his job is to put tasty food on the plate, the waiting team deliver it. So the establishment adds a service charge (with an opt out) and the "tips" are shared across the kitchen and front of house. In busy periods, it can add nearly 25% to the take home money at the end of the month (his basic is 0.56p above NMW so don't go nuts). There are no well paid jobs in hospitality, unless you're in front of a camera or own the establishment, and 65-70 hours a week is routine. The pay is based on an expectation of 12 -14 hour days, and it is desperately hard work when there's an event and a full dining room on top. I did the same sort of job 45 years ago so I understand.

tuvamoodyson · 01/06/2024 17:49

mambojambodothetango · 17/12/2023 16:43

How do you give it? Do you run outside in your pjs at 7am? Or do you put it out for them and hope a ne'er-do-well doesn't make off with it? I do give the cleaners and window cleaner a Xmas tip but they come in/come to the door.

I give a box of biscuits Christmas and New Year…I just put in a bag and tie to
bin handle.

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