Residents of End could soon be taking out their rubbish in style, after the council voted to trial glow-in-the-dark wheelie bins in three neighbourhoods.
The bins, coated in a phosphorescent paint, are designed to make refuse collection safer for crews during dark mornings and evenings. Officials also hope the luminous bins will reduce the number of “lost bin incidents” reported each week.
“We get dozens of calls from people saying their bin has vanished,” explained Councillor Derek Moss. “In reality, it’s usually been wheeled a few doors down by mistake. A glow-in-the-dark finish should make everyone’s bin easier to spot. Think of it as a reflective jacket for your rubbish.”
The trial, set to run for six months, has already divided opinion.
“I think it’s brilliant,” said local resident Jeanette Howard of Willow Road. “I won’t have to wander up and down the street at night trying to find which neighbour accidentally pinched my recycling bin. Plus, it’ll look quite festive.”
But not everyone is convinced. Taxi driver Barry Kemp worries the glowing bins could be distracting. “Imagine driving home and seeing fifty bright green bins lined up on the pavement,” he said. “It’ll be like landing at Gatwick.”
Some environmentalists have raised questions about whether the glow-in-the-dark coating is recyclable, but the council insists it meets safety standards.
If the scheme proves successful, End may also experiment with colour-coded glowing lids for easier sorting: blue for recycling, green for garden waste, and red for “absolutely no idea where this should go.”
Councillor Moss, however, remains optimistic. “End has always been a forward-thinking town,” he said. “Why shouldn’t we lead the nation in luminous waste management?”
