Rotherham council plans £2,500 fines for bin contamination starting April 2025

Rotherham council is introducing strict measures to tackle contaminated bins, which cost the local authority over £1 million annually. Residents could face fines up to £2,500 for placing incorrect items in their bins or leaving them out after collection. Starting in April 2025, the new rules will affect 121,800 households. A 'traffic light' system will categorize violations, with warnings for first and second offenses, and fines for repeated violations. The council aims to improve recycling rates and reduce waste management costs. Educational campaigns will support the initiative, encouraging better waste sorting. The TaxPayers' Alliance criticized the complexity of the rules, arguing they may unfairly penalize residents for minor mistakes.