This content was archived on 24th June 2017

Living in a flat or communal home

Communal bins


Recycling is possible no matter where you live.

We’ve got some great hints and tips on how you can still recycle whilst living in a flat or communal house.

  1. When you move into a flat or shared house, make sure you know what can be recycled and where the communal recycling point is. If you are short of space, make sure you take your recycling to the central recycling bins each time you go out, that way it won’t build up and become a storage problem.
     
  2. When renting from a landlord, ask what recycling facilities are in place and don’t sign your tenancy agreement until they provide you with the appropriate recycling equipment. Your landlord can talk to your council and arrange a recycling service for you before you move in.
     
  3. Group of Newport students placing recycled materials into a green plastic recycling bin in front of their shared houseA problem shared is a problem halved – if you share a house with your flatmates, make sure everyone agrees to separate out their recycling for collection. This means asking them to separate their waste from bedroom bins into the central recycling bin.
     
  4. When you move into a flat or shared house make sure you have keys to any locked communal recycling areas. If you do not have them ask your landlord to provide them for you.
     
  5. If you have just moved into your area, get to know what recycling services your council offers. Drop them an email or pick up the phone they will only be too happy to help you on your way to start recycling.
     
  6. If you feel the recycling facilities aren’t up to scratch then complain to your landlord or site manager to improve them. If they don’t know there’s a problem then they won’t be able to help.
     
  7. Why not collect all your recyclables in a reusable bag? Once it is full take it down to the recycling bank, and put the individual items into the correct section. This will help you save space in your kitchen, rather than having lots of different containers.
     
  8. Man checking ironing board for fitness for reuse at a recycling centreAny items that can’t be recycled from your flat can be taken to your nearest recycling centre.
     
  9. Knock on your neighbours to door when you first move in to introduce yourself and find out what recycling facilities are available and where. It’s also a great excuse to get to know them.
     

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