Residents threatened with $312 fine for leaving rubbish bins out too early

A South Australian council is today defending its threat to fine residents $312 for placing their rubbish bins on the street too early.

Port Adelaide Enfield Council’s by-laws state that bins should be placed out after 4pm the night before collection and taken in by midnight the following day.

A council spokesperson told 9news.com.au fining residents was a “final resort”.

They said in the past five years, the council issued only four fines for bins not being removed after multiple warnings.

This was equivalent to four fines out of 24 million bin pick-ups during that period.

“PAE (Port Adelaide Enfield) receives over 200 complaints annually in relation to bins on streets,” the spokesperson said.

“In response to complaints, PAE will contact residents to advise them of the requirement to remove bins from footpaths.

“There are circumstances where bins are not removed and remain for extended long periods on the footpath and in these cases.

“We follow up with the residents to ensure they remove the bins, however as a final resort expiations may be issued.”

Most Australian councils have a by-law in place regarding the removal of bins from footpaths within a reasonable timeframe.

Bins left on footpaths can block the path of people walking, pushing prams and in wheelchairs, the council spokesperson says.

They can also impact vehicle and emergency access on streets.