New plans being discussed by ministers are likely to see the scrapping of fines that are sometimes imposed against consumers who break minor rules in relation to the collection of their bins. Over the past couple of years, the simple task of putting the rubbish and waste out has become an increasingly complicated one, with different bins being provided for different types of waste. On tops of this, consumers have to remember which bins are collected on which days, which can confuse matters even more. These hefty fines have added to the already soaring levels of debt that some people are facing, putting them in the difficult position of having to handle spiralling debt simply due to a simple mistake stemming from a confusing system.

With some households having up to nine different bins for different types of rubbish, it is little wonder that mistakes are sometimes made. However, local authorities are able to impose a fine of up to £1000 on residents that are found to be breaking the rules when it comes to their rubbish, such as putting the wrong rubbish in the wrong bin or putting bins out on the wrong day.

Ministers are concerned that this could result in consumers being fined for what is essentially an innocent mistake and the government therefore wants to scrap these fines. The issue is still under discussion but in the meantime ministers want the current fine reduced until it has been scrapped altogether.

Local authorities have claimed that the fines are only imposed in extreme circumstances as a last resort, with only a minority of residents who leave rubbish piled in the street. Under the new regulations local authorities would only be able to impose fines if it could be proven that residents were causing “harm to local amenity” by putting out their rubbish incorrectly.

Whilst councils would still be able to issue fines for those that dispose of their rubbish in such a way that causes problems for neighbours or the environment, they would no longer be bullied into increasing their recycling rates through threats of fines, which is what Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said was happening at present. She said that the consultation would ensure that the only people who would be financially punished would be those causing real problems in the community.