I could leave my bins inside my gate, but was concerned that this might not be classed as on the boundary so took the option of placing them on the pavement next to the garden wall. I don't want the council to have any excuse to say that people only want their black bins emptied every few weeks, which I'm sure is what they are aiming at after the last letter. I think the binmen make far more obstructions by where they leave the emptied bins, but in either case, I do see your point and will try leaving them just inside the gate in future. I'll also try to be more prompt in reclaiming the empty bins.