Zahna Eklund

Refuse collector Ashley, known online as the No 1 Binman, explains that whether an overflowing wheelie bin is collected depends on local council rules rather than individual bin workers. Closed lids help prevent rubbish from spilling, protect collectors and bins from damage, contain smells, and deter flies, rats, foxes and other pests. Experiences vary between councils, with some collectors accepting open or overfilled bins if loose waste is secured.

A night-shift worker says his upstairs neighbour's violin practice at 6am has severely disrupted his sleep for four months and is affecting his health and job performance. The neighbour, a violin teacher, says early morning is her only available practice time, while building rules permit noise from 6am onward and management has declined to intervene. Online commenters suggest using a practice mute during the earliest hours as a compromise, though the tenant says he cannot afford to move.

Property conveyancer Yas says she regrets not speaking to all of her prospective neighbours before buying her home. Loud music from a neighbouring rented property is reportedly played every week or two until around 3am, making parts of her house unusable and leaving her anxious about when the noise will occur. After unsuccessful attempts to speak directly to the neighbours, she plans to contact their landlord and is seeking help from the local council, while commenters share similar experiences and suggest involving the police or moving home.

Advice from a social media life hacks creator recommends sprinkling cayenne pepper and cinnamon in the base of bins to repel flies and stop maggots from developing. Capsaicin in cayenne pepper is said to irritate flies, while cinnamon’s strong oils disrupt their senses and egg‑laying. Additional suggestions include keeping homes clean, covering food and using sealed food‑waste containers or biodegradable bags where authority‑provided bins are unavailable.