Why you need to take the bins out before they overfill

Ah, the humble bin. We all have one, we all use it, and sometimes, we all play a little game of "Bin Tetris." You know the one where you collectively try to cram that extra bit of rubbish into an already overstuffed bin, praying it doesn’t all come spilling out when you close the lid. Spoiler alert: playing Bin Tetris is a terrible idea.

Yes, the waste management team pops by once a week to empty the bins, but with the number of students living in each flat, those bins fill up way before then. That's when things get messy. Here are a few reasons why you should take the bins out more.

1. Overflowing bins = Pest party

When the bin bags are spilling over, that’s an open invitation for all sorts of unwanted guests. Flies, mice, and even the odd rat love a good feast of food scraps. The last thing you want in your flat is an uninvited critter showing up for dinner.

2. Blocked fire exits? Definitely a big no-no

Bins piling up in the hallway can block fire exits, which is a huge safety hazard. If there were ever an emergency, you don’t want to be stuck trying to get through a pile of rubbish. 

3. Clean flat, happy flat

No one wants to live in a space that smells like overflowing rubbish. By taking the bins out regularly, you’ll help keep your flat clean, fresh, and ready for the fun stuff.

4. Be kind, reline

Do you really want your flat to be known as 'the stinky one' or 'the landfill'? It's good to remember that the team that takes out your bins every week are human beings and they deserve a small amount of effort from you to prevent a job they did not sign up for.

So, what can you do?

• Don’t wait for someone else to do it. It’s not about waiting for the next person to take the plunge. Taking out the bin when it’s full keeps things flowing smoothly for everyone in your flat.
• Take turns with your flatmates. No one wants to be the one stuck with the job all the time, so why not set up a simple rota to share the load? That way, everyone’s pitching in and keeping things tidy.

Next time you see the bin bursting at the seams, don’t wait for someone else to take it out. Just do it. You’ll feel like a proper adult (and no one will hate you for leaving the kitchen looking like a disaster zone). It’s a small effort that keeps your flat clean, safe, and pest-free.