Trash-talking mayor orders bin bandits to bring in garbage

The mayor of a suburban Melbourne council is so tired of waiting for residents to take their rubbish bins in that he is proposing a $200 fine.

Banyule Mayor Craig Langdon said his council receives complaints from a large number of residents, acknowledging "it does look unsightly".

Council is now proposing to issue just one notice to anyone who fails to bring their bins in within 24 hours of collection, and if that warning is ignored, a $200 fine will follow.

Mr Langdon said it is not just a cosmetic issue, as strong winds can result in bins littering paths and roadways while also alerting thieves that nobody is home.

While the majority of local residents allegedly support the plan, some think it is a load of rubbish.