Thousands of families have been hit with fines of £100 or more for putting their rubbish out on the wrong day.
The fixed penalty charges - higher than those given to shoplifters - have been brought in under new laws to try to make once-a-fortnight bin collections work properly.
Councils keep the proceeds of the fines, which can also be imposed on anyone who fails to close their bin lids, leave out extra bags or put the wrong rubbish in the recycling bin.
Town halls acknowledged yesterday that at least £200,000 in fines has been collected.
The local authority to impose the most is Birmingham City Council, which has issued 592 over the past year.
Although some councils have cut fines to £75, £60 or £50 for early payment, most charge the full £100 for a first offence.
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