Waste from a purpose-built flat

What to do with your waste and recycling if you live in a purpose-built flat.

Simpler Recycling changes

This page has been updated to reflect the new Simpler Recycling rules introduced on 31 March 2026.

Mixed container bins

Use this for: Recycling clean plastic, metal and glass containers.

Please recycle: Plastic bottles, pots, tubs, trays, glass bottles and jars, food tins, drink cans, foil, empty aerosol cans, plant pots (smaller than 20cm in diameter, all colours except black), empty food and drinks cartons such as Tetra Paks, empty squeezy plastic tubes such as toothpaste tubes and squeezy metal tubes such as tomato paste tubes (plastic caps caps can stay on tubes)

Not for: Any other type of metal, glass or plastic (e.g. plastic bags, film, cups or products) or batteries

Please rinse to keep items free of significant food remains. Squash plastic bottles and replace lids after rinsing as this helps fit more in the box. Include loose metal jar lids (not attached to the jars). However, any pump action mechanisms should be removed and placed in your dustbin.

Mixed paper bins

Use this for: Paper and flattened card and cardboard

Not for: Used paper cups or tissues, food and drink cartons such as Tetra Paks, dirty paper, plastics, batteries or anything else

Cardboard should be broken down into smaller pieces so it fits in the bin.

Try to contain any shredded paper to prevent it blowing out of your bin, for example by placing it inside an old envelope or an empty cardboard cereal box.

If you have large amounts of cardboard, from new furniture, house moving boxes, flat-packed items or TVs for example, you should dispose of it yourself by taking it to:

• Townmead Road
• A recycling bank

Food waste

Selected flats now receive a communal food waste recycling service. You can read more about food waste recycling in flats.

If you don't yet receive this service, try to reduce your food waste and put waste you do produce in with your general waste if you are unable to compost it at home.

Download our guide

You can download and print our What bins do I use? guide so you've always got it to hand.

Leaving items for collection

Your managing agent, landlord or residents' association is responsible for providing appropriate bins for your property. Blocks of flats larger than seven units usually have shared communal bins for waste with recycling bins nearby.

Some flats will have locked communal rubbish stores. To ensure we can collect from these stores it is best to have a code system, such as a punch pad. We cannot guarantee that waste will be collected from locked bin store areas if keys are needed for access.

If you do not have appropriate recycling facilities the responsible property agent should speak to us to arrange.

Containing your rubbish and recycling

Residents should recycle using the containers provided.

Your recycling bin lids may be locked shut to prevent them being misused for disposing of general rubbish. However, the lids have slots for you to deposit your recyclable materials. 

View our list of recyclable items to find out where you can recycle them.

Parcels and items in your bin store

We recommend that you don't use your bin store to receive parcel deliveries or to store personal items.