Bin collections for flats

Flats and other properties with shared communal facilities in Hertsmere may have a different waste and recycling provision to houses.

Please refer to the following information for both residents and managing agents to help you use the bins and maintain the bin stores correctly.

If you live in a flat

Only the correct items should be placed in recycling bins. Bins containing incorrect items (contamination) will not be emptied. For full details of what can go in the brown recycling bin, please download our Recycling in Flats guide below.

Food waste collections

We are introducing silver 140ltr bins for the weekly collection of food waste in communal properties.
Residents and managing agents will be informed when their property is due to receive a bin. For guidance on how to use the new bins, please download the Food Recycling Collection leaflet below.

Recycling must be:

• Loose, not bagged
  If you are using a bag to carry your recyclables to the bin please empty the items into the recycling bin first, then dispose of the bag in the general waste or use a reusable bag.
• Clean and empty
  Please rinse out any food residue. Pizza boxes, dirty foil and any other food containers with food stuck to them are not acceptable.

Bulky waste or large items

You are responsible for disposing of large household items such as sofas, mattresses, or chests of drawers. These must not be left in the bin store for others to remove. Please ensure bins are not blocked or overloaded, as we cannot collect them if items are left on top or on the floor.

There are several options for disposing of large items. You may be able to get a free collection from a charity - visit our large household item collection page for details. Alternatively you can:

• take items or extra waste to your local Recycling Centre
• contact your managing agent to find out if they can offer a collection
• book a large household item collection with us

Managing agents, landlords and housing associations

As the managing agent, you are responsible for keeping bin stores in a clean, reasonable condition and ensuring our collection crews have easy access to the bins on collection day.
We will not remove excess waste placed on or around the bins, and we will not move bulky items to reach the bins.

Contaminated recycling bins

If a recycling bin is recorded by our collection crew as contaminated (containing incorrect items), it will not be emptied. We will notify you, and it is your responsibility to ensure the bin is sorted or emptied before the next scheduled collection. This can be arranged through a private contractor, or we can return to empty the bin as general waste for a fee. For full details and charges, please refer to our Contamination Procedure.

Available resources

It is your responsibility to ensure residents have the correct information about their bins. When new residents move in, please provide them with our Recycling in Flats guide as part of their welcome pack. The leaflets and posters below can be downloaded or we can supply hard copies. To make a request please email street.scene@hertsmere.gov.uk