The Shoplifter, the Thug, the Garbage Bin

What's Worse Than A Shoplifter Or A Drunken Thug? Someone With An Imperfectly Packed Garbage Bin, Of Course ... At Least In The UK

In the UK shoplifting and disorderly conduct is a $160 fine. But imperfectly packed garbage bins? That's a $220 fine and a criminal record!

In the UK, under new rules, if you over pack your garbage bin, which means it is even an inch higher than the rim, you get a $220 on-the-spot fine and a criminal record. But if you get caught shoplifting or you go on a drunken rampage, it will only cost $160.

So, what does this really mean? It probably means the end to many peaceful neighborhoods. Ironically many people with too much garbage to put out for the bi-weekly collection will never get fined. Rather their neighbors will get fined. But a word of caution. When transferring that excess garbage to your neighbor's bin, act like you're drunk. This way if you are caught, you still saved $60 and so it was worth it.

"Bus driver Gareth Corkhill was given a criminal record earlier this year for overfilling his wheelie bin to the point where the lid was open by four inches .... The father of four was ordered to pay a £210 ($420) fine, equal to his week's wages, plus a £15 ($30) surcharge to help 'victims of violence', and given a record." The fine doubled because it wasn't paid on time, usually after 4 weeks.