Flats and shared housing recycling bins and boxes

Depending on the type of property you live in, you may not have space for individual recycling bins. We work with management companies to provide the best solution to offer recycling facilities for every type of property.

Flats

If you live in an apartment, recycling options include:

• Shared communal bins
• Lockable recycling bins
• Secure recycling bring sites

In Preston all flats are assessed individually to make sure that we provide the most appropriate recycling solution. To discuss this further with a recycling officer or to arrange a site visit please contact wastemanagement@preston.gov.uk or ring 01772 906905.

Shared Housing

If you live in a shared house you should have access to the same recycling facilities as all other properties in Preston and your landlord should ensure that you have appropriate refuse facilities. For more information on how to manage your waste see recycling.

If you are fully taking part in all the recycling services provided by us and you are still struggling to reduce your waste to an amount suitable for fortnightly collections your household may be eligible for a bigger bin.

If a larger bin still does not meet your needs it is your landlords responsibility to set up a commercial waste contract. For more information see business waste collection.

Tips for flats and shared housing

We understand that it can be difficult to sort and transport your waste and recycling when you live in a block of flats, especially if you have a busy lifestyle. However, you can follow these tips to make life a little easier:

1. Use sorting bins

The easiest way you can sort out recyclable material is to use separate bins or bags around the home for each waste stream. You can find a list of all the items we accept at kerbside at what can I put in my bins? 

2. Make sure recyclables are placed loose in your recycling bin

If you are carrying your recyclables to your bins in plastic bags, make sure you empty the items into the bin separately. Plastic bags are not accepted and are classed as contamination as they clog up the processing machinery. If you no longer need the bag, just pop it in your grey bin on your way out.

3. Ask your management company or landlord for help

You can check what items can be put in your recycling bins at what can I put in my bins? However, if your bin store needs lighting, signage or maintenance, you should ask your landlord or management company for help with these issues.

4. Remember, the bin store is everyone's responsibility

It is the responsibility of everyone living in your flats or shared housing to keep the area around the bins clean and tidy. There should be no extra bags of waste or large household items left around the bins. This may be classed as fly tipping and lead to enforcement action.

5. Book a bulky waste collection for large items

We operate a bulky household waste collection service if you need to dispose of large household items such as sofas, mattresses and furniture. Alternatively you can visit a Household Waste and Recycling Centre. Large household items should not be left within a bin store or next to communal bins.