We asked 50 people who never miss bin day what their secret is. Here are the best answers.
1. Put the bins out the night before, not the morning of
This is the single most effective habit. Morning-of means you're racing the lorry. Night-before means it's done and forgotten.
2. Keep a small caddy by the back door
A visual reminder that bins exist. When the caddy is full, it's time to take the big bin out. When BinPing pings, empty the caddy into the wheelie bin on your way past.
3. Colour-code your calendar
Green for recycling, black for general, brown for garden. A 30-second setup that saves 52 moments of confusion per year.
4. Use the "one in, one out" rule for recycling
Every time you put something in the recycling bin in the kitchen, take the bag to the big bin outside. Keeps the kitchen tidy and the wheelie bin regularly topped up.
5. Check the bin before you put it out
A quick look confirms you're putting out the right one. We've all put the wrong colour out at least once.
6. Bring the bin back the same day
Bins left on the pavement for days annoy neighbours and get blown over. Make it a habit: bins in by bedtime on collection day.
7. Rinse containers while cooking
The jar is already open, the tap is already running. A two-second rinse now saves a crusty scrub later.
8. Flatten your cardboard
You'll fit three times as much in the bin. Stomp on boxes before they go in.
9. Set up BinPing
Obviously. A friendly nudge the night before, every week, without thinking about it.
10. Tell your neighbours
The street that bins together, wins together. Share the reminder and nobody has to remember.