[lindsay ormerod]

As I understand it the refuse collection is from back alleys, if that's not the case then fine, but how do the binmen have access to your yard and how is it their responsibility if you have a dog in there?
If they need access to your backyard to get to your bin you should consider that and make sure the dog is secured when they need to be in there.
If your dog isn't chipped and gets found I would consider it good luck, if you haven't bothered getting him chipped, even more good luck.
To be honest you are lucky that the dog hasn't turned up as a fatality on a road , or caused a road traffic accident, pay the bill, learn your lesson and buy a big bolt for your gate.