Waste and Recycling Guide for Estate Agents and Property Managers

In the fast paced world of property management, your duty goes far beyond just creating visually pleasing spaces. As landlords, estate agents, and property managers, you show only the neatest and cleanest side of your world, not the dark side that requires hours of cleaning, tidying, heavy lifting and decontaminating! 

This guide isn't just about maintaining your properties; it's the secret for turning them into sustainable havens that will not just benefit you and your pockets, but your tenants and clients!

So, toss out the rule book because we're not here for the mundane. 

Picture this as your helping hand through the maze of property management, from skip hire services all the way to student clear ups!

Householders Duty of Care

The Householder's Duty of Care emphasises the legal responsibility we all share in handling our household waste. It's not just a duty; it's a pledge to keep our communities thriving and our environments clean! 

All UK householders have a duty of care to responsibly sort and manage their household waste. This means that proper waste disposal is critical.

This duty means:

• Sorting of Waste - Categorise your rubbish into each type of waste. For instance: Recyclable, Non-Recyclable & Food/Organic Waste. 
• Proper Disposal - This means ensuring that all the correct waste is in the correct bin such as, glass, plastic, cardboard, mixed recycling & other waste streams. For hazardous waste, such as batteries, electronics etc.. this should be disposed of safely and in the correct manner. 
• Minimising Waste - Seek ways to reduce your waste. This could be in the form of reducing single plastic waste or setting up composting for your organic waste. This not only helps homeowners stay on top of waste, but, reduces the need for private waste company collections, which saves homeowners money. 
• Preventing Illegal Dumping - Homeowners are legally obliged to avoid illegal dumping, known as fly-tipping. Legally registered waste carriers should always be used!
• Choosing registered waste carriers - Registered waste carriers should always be used for any one off waste collection. This not only ensures safe and proper waste disposal but covers you from potential fly-tippers who will dump your rubbish on any old side road!

The consequences of not choosing a registered waste carrier, could result in: 

• Fines & Penalties. 
• Legal Action.
• Loss of Reputation 

What to Put in Each Bin 

They may be colour coded which change for every council. but the contents should always stay the same! 

Here is what to put in each bin:

Recycling Bins:

• Paper: Newspapers, magazines, cardboard, office paper, and packaging materials.
• Plastics: Bottles, containers, packaging, and plastic bags (check local guidelines for accepted types).
• Glass: Bottles and jars.
• Metal: Aluminium and steel cans, foil, and certain metal packaging.
• Cartons: Milk, juice, and soup cartons.

Food/Compost Bin:

• Organic Waste: Fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, tea bags, and plant trimmings.
• Food Scraps: Leftover food, bread, pasta, and other non-meat items.
• Garden Waste: Grass clippings, leaves, and small branches.

General Waste Bin:

• Non-Recyclable Plastics: Some plastics that are not accepted in recycling (e.g., plastic wrap).
• Styrofoam: Takeout containers, packaging, and other Styrofoam products.
• Hygiene Products: Used tissues, nappies, and sanitary products.
• Broken Glass: Glass items that are not bottles or jars.
• Non-Recyclable Packaging: Some mixed materials that can't be easily separated for recycling.

Contaminated Bins

Along the way bins may get contaminated. We know the struggle. 

A tenant has left the property and you have 3 weeks of unused household waste to stuff into 4 bins. It is a puzzle in itself, but, what do you when your bins become contaminated with the incorrect rubbish? 

Identify Contamination: Regularly inspect waste bins to identify contamination. Common contaminants include non-recyclables in recycling bins or organic waste in general waste bins.

Educate Tenants: Inform tenants about proper waste disposal practices through newsletters, notices, or community meetings. Clearly communicate what items are accepted in each bin and the consequences of contamination. Consider organising workshops or events to create a community feel.

Label Bins: Ensure that recycling, compost, and general waste bins are labelled clearly with easy-to-understand instructions. Use visual aids to reinforce proper disposal habits.

Provide Guidelines: Hand out resources on waste management that tenants can refer to. Include information on local recycling programs, collection schedules, and special disposal instructions for items like electronic waste or hazardous materials.

Implement Fines or Penalties: Consider implementing fines or penalties for repeated instances of contamination. Clearly outline these consequences in lease agreements or community guidelines.

Encourage Reporting: Establish a system for tenants to report instances of contamination anonymously. This helps identify specific areas or units where additional education or intervention may be needed.

Work with Waste Management Providers: Collaborate with waste management providers to address contamination issues. 

Overweight Bins

This may be one of the most common waste problems you will face being in the business of properties. You find the bins tightly packed and shoved full of heavy excess waste. 

Apart from calling your waste provider to empty it, what do you do to prevent future overweight bins? 

Know Weight Limits: Just like our bodies, understand the amount of waste that can be put in each bin. 

Educate Tenants: Let your tenants know what the weight restrictions are and the importance of this. 

Label Bins: Ensure bins are labelled with their weight limits for visual reminders.

Guidelines for Filling: Provide guidelines on proper filling techniques to distribute weight evenly.

Penalties for Excess: Implement penalties for consistently overweight bins.

Waste Audits: Conduct waste audits to identify sources of excess weight. 

Optimise Collection: Adjust the collection frequency based on property needs to prevent excessive weight.

Promote Recycling: Encourage recycling and composting to reduce general waste volume.

Consider Larger Bins: Assess the need for larger bins or additional collections for properties with high waste volumes.

Continuous Communication: Continue educating your tenants and leaseholders on any weight limit changes or updates. 

Managing Missed Collections

It can be a real pain when your waste collections are missed, especially when you have tenants complaining about waste piling up and the stench is getting worse by the day. 

When you take on a new waste provider, you expect the service to be consistent, so when this isn't it can be a real headache. 

1. Report - Report the missed collection to your waste provider immediately, there may be a simple reason for the delay. 
2. Communicate - Let your tenants/clients/work spaces know that you are aware of the issue. You could set up a communication channel that means your residents can also report to you early for any missed collections. 
3. Alternatives - If this issue becomes a regular occurrence, look at alternative methods, search for local waste companies who offer same day or next day collections. This is also a good litmus test for their service which you could potentially use in the future once your contract is up.
4. Compensation - Seek compensation or look at getting a free collection. 

End of Tenancy

You hear of the horror stories, of landlords turning up to their rental property, to find that when they get on-site it has been absolutely gutted with thousands of pounds worth of damage. Thankfully this is a rare occurrence, so breathe easy.

However, when it comes to an end of tenancy clearance, and you have new tenants eagerly waiting to move into their new home, what is the easiest way to prepare for this? 

1. Old Tenants - Kindly ask the old tenants to have a good clear out before they leave the property. Most tenants pay a deposit when they first rent a property, so they are more inclined to keep their space clean which works for everyone. Recommend your provider if they have items that need collecting and sending to recycling facilities. 
2. Inspection - Inspect your property, check that everything is in order. If you are wanting to get rid of some bulky items, contact a local waste provider or council. 
3. Information - Provide your new tenants & old tenants with educational materials that outlines what is needed from then and the benefits of everyone mucking in and working together. 

Student End of Term Clear-Out

End of term is coming.

A flurry of activity as students prepare to down tools and scoot off back to their humble abodes. We have all been 17 and most of us understand what happens behind the door of those student dorms! 

With liquid stains, stenches and alcohol vapour in the air, it can be a tough business getting things spruced up and ready for the next influx of bright eyed, wild students ready to unleash chaos. 

Here are some tips to keep your halls in order: 

Communicate - Place notices on bulletin boards, or post leaflets through students doors to make them aware of the clear up process. 

Donation Station - Create a donation station where students can leave items to donate or reuse. 

Guides - Waste sorting guides are a polite way of keeping your students up to date with how to clear up. 

Inspect - Hold inspections to make sure everything is in adequate shape. 

Penalties - Make students understand the penalties if rooms are a mess, Students & Money go hand in hand so the threat of a fine may be enough to keep the cleaning aprons on them. 

Managing Hoarders

We all know one! That one person who refuses to chuck away, old dirty newspapers or rubbish. 

Don't judge too soon though, as we guarantee that all of us are hoarders of a certain item.

Find us one person who actually throws away their old phones and electronic equipment and we will call you a liar!

We only say this as we currently have approximately 6 old phones and 4 miles worth of broken charges cables sat in our office!

If you are having trouble with hoarders though, what steps can be taken to combat this? 

• Spot the Signs Early: Identify waste before it becomes a problem. Early identification is key.
• Talk it Out: Be empathetic. This builds trust and helps you understand the problem more.
• Safety First: Assess for fire hazards and health risks.
• Bring in the Pros: Team up with mental health experts. Their insights are crucial.
• Legal Check: Navigate local laws like a pro. 
• Craft a Comprehensive Waste Management Plan: Cook up a plan with mental health experts. Therapy, counselling, support groups etc.
• Coordinate the Clean-up Crew: Round up the clean-up troops. Put your elite clean up management team together. 
• Paper Trail: Document the journey. If needed, report to the authorities responsibly.

Rats and Pest Control

These little critters can scurry there way into just about anything so we don't think a 240 litre bin is troubling them. 

Your range of wheeled fortresses are quite efficient at keeping rats out though, just as long as you keep the lid firmly closed & you avoid overfilling. An overfilled bin is heaven to a rat. 

Here are some quick-fire ways of keeping out the pests:

Seal Entry Points

Regular Bin Checks

Secure Compost Bins

1. Trim Overgrown Greenery

Regular Pest Inspections

Fix Leaks Quickly

Professional Pest Control

Asbestos

You may not think it but Asbestos can still be found today, especially when dealing with old buildings or having that loft clear out that you had completely forgotten about.

If you do stumble upon it however, apart from covering your whole face and proceeding to believe you are going to drop dead, how do we get rid of this? 

Identify Asbestos-Containing Materials: Know where to look – commonly in insulation, flooring, and roofing materials. Be asbestos-savvy.

Professional Inspection: When in doubt, call the experts. A professional asbestos inspection ensures safety.

Do Not Disturb: Leave undamaged asbestos alone. Disturbing them can release harmful fibres into the air.

Safe Removal by Experts: If removal is necessary, hire licensed asbestos removal professionals. DIY is a definitely a no-go here.

Legal Compliance: Stay updated on asbestos regulations and compliance in your region. 

Asbestos Management Plans: Develop and follow asbestos management plans. 

Managing Apartments/ Blocks

The high rise...you break your neck looking at them. Without individually climbing each set of stairs to clear out rubbish what is the best and most efficient way to tackle this: 

Waste Collection Points: Designate a specific waste collection point for your properties. Make these easily accessible.

Customised Recycling Programs: Set up a recycling program so that your residents/tenants know exactly what and where to clear waste away. 

Regular Waste Collection Services: Choose a reliable, well trusted, legally registered waste company to help reduce the amount of waste (Cough Cough Busy Bins). Adjust the collection frequency based on size and how many occupants you have. 

Educational: Hold workshops or educational sessions for your residents, so that they understand proper waste disposal practices. Ensure that the tenants understand their responsibility. Place informative posters around. All resources to help educate are a positive way to reduce waste. 

Regular Property Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of communal areas, including waste disposal points. This helps identify and address any issues.

Smart Waste Solutions: Explore smart waste solutions, such as sensor-equipped bins or waste compactors, to optimise waste collection and enhance efficiency.

Encouraging Sustainable Practices: Promote sustainable waste reduction practices among residents. Encourage the use of reusable items, composting, and other eco-friendly initiatives.

Managing House of Multiple Occupancy 

HMO means Houses in Multiple Occupation. As the title suggests, it is multiple houses that are managed with multiple occupation living there. It can be a big task to manage HMOs waste...but what is the best way to go about it & help with the reduction of waste?

Well, HMOS are very similar to Apartments & Blocks, therefore the process is the same it just may need fine tuning to fit your HMO. Follow our Apartments/Blocks guide above for any tips.

Encouraging Recycling

Encouraging recycling is a great way of reducing your waste and managing waste more efficiently. It is not just you that can push your recycling and rubbish drive though.

If you place signage around and newsletters with your intentions of your push for sustainability, you will be surprised of how many tenants, work spaces and others that would be more then happy to jump on board. 

Here are some quick, easy ways to encourage recycling: 

Bin Access: Place recycling bins in easily accessible places.

Workshops: Hold workshops to educate your tenants on the joys of recycling. Build a community buzz around recycling. Share success stories, shout-outs, and make it a team effort. You could also host casual workshops or lunch sessions to chat about recyclable materials, the benefits and quick tips for your homeowners. 

Incentives: Think about giving out small rewards or incentives for recycling champs. Who doesn't love a little bonus?

Collaborate with Local Services: Partner with local recycling services or groups for info sessions and easy recycling options. Teamwork makes the dream work!

By making cleanliness a team effort, your communal bin areas will stay spick and span!

Keeping Communal Bin areas Clean 

You do the organisation, find a nice clean spot for all the communal bins to go, clearly labelled, signage everywhere...on the first week being open for residents, it is trashed and cardboard is everywhere! Your hard work blowing away alongside the used baby wipes!

When you have done the hard work only for the bin area to get messy again, it can be highly frustrating. So, how do we keep the communal area clean?

Regular Cleaning Schedule - Put together your crack team of superstars to keep on top of any weekly mess. You could organise it for daily cleans or every 2 days. 

Community Clean-Up Days - Organise occasional community clean-up days for a collective spruce-up. Team spirit in action!

Provide Enough Bins - If there are only 3 bins but 200 residents then we think we know what the issue is. Make sure you have enough bins for your tenants or clients for business premises. 

Encourage Reporting: Encourage residents to report any issues promptly. Teamwork makes the dream work!

Celebrate Cleanliness: Acknowledge and celebrate a well-maintained communal space. Positive reinforcement works wonders!

Managing Fly-Tipping

It can be seen on the most beautiful of landscapes. A blight, an eyesore, and worse then this...an illegal act! 

It is not just illegal and under environmental protection, it is also a major inconvenience for property managers, estate agents, landlords and managing agents. You work hard to ensure your rubbish and recycling is well kept and in order, just for someone to dump their unwanted items all over. 

When you are dealing with fly-tipping what is the best protocol? Have a look at our fly-tipping strategy for clearing and reducing the chances of fly-tipping: 

1. Clear Up - Nobody wants to, especially when it isn't your waste, but the faster you clear it up, the less chance you have of repeated offenders. 
2. Document & Report - Take photos & report fly-tipping to your local council. 
3. Security - Look at adding extra security measure around your premises. CCTV, Locks or Additional fencing may come in handy.
4. Communicate with your residents - Speak to your residents or tenants, or neighbours for estate agents. Ask them if they have seen anyone or if you suspect that it could be someone on your premises, remind everyone of the consequences (That sounded very aggressive, we don't mean you send the heavies round, a leaflet or group email would be fine)
5. Signs - Place clear signage around to make fly-tippers aware that they are being monitored and could face a penalty. 
6. Report repeated offenders - If the same old faces keep cropping up and fail to comply, report them and take photo evidence to send to your local authorities. If needs be look at legal action. 

Bulky Waste Collections

Make sure to bend those knees and straighten that back! 

If you just haven't got the strength you once had or most likely haven't got the time to be worrying about the bulky waste piling up due to having a number of properties to look after, it can be hard to work out the best way to get rid of unwanted heavy or bulky items. 

Here are some ways of managing your building's bulky waste generation:

• Check with council: Most UK councils offer bulky item removals. Have a look on your local city council site to see if they offer this service. 
• Hire bulky waste company: Hire a private company to deal with your bulky items. Always use a registered waste carrier. 
• Donate or Sell: Search online to see if there is a local recycling centre near you, or, donate to a charity shop. Some charities will come and collect the items from you. 
• Rent a skip: This is an easy way to get all your bulky rubbish taken away at once. Read more on skip hire below...

Skip Hire

As mentioned above, utilising skip hire services for your properties can streamline the waste management during property maintenance, renovations, or clear-outs & we believe it is the best practice for removing bulky waste quickly & efficiently from your sites. 

Here's what to do when hiring a skip:

• Assess Project Needs: Evaluate the scale of the project to determine the skip size required. Is it a major house renovation or just a garden clear out? Size matters. 
• Speak to Tenants: Communicate with your tenants or property owners to ensure a smooth skip placement, addressing any concerns.
• Regulations: Familiarise yourself with your local regulations for skip placement, permits, and waste disposal. Ensure compliance to avoid penalties.
• Separate: Encourage proper waste segregation to maximise recycling. Clearly communicate guidelines for what can and cannot be placed in the skip.
• Budget: Search around for various quotes from reputable skip hire companies. Factor in all costs, including delivery, collection, and potential permit fees, to manage the budget effectively.
• Monitor Skip Usage: Regularly check the skip to ensure it is used appropriately and not overloaded. You could always consider making it lockable and handing out the keys to your tenants/clients or whoever would need access. 

Cleaning Bins

We know you work hard to make sure the interior and exterior of your properties are clean and tidy, but have you ever wondered how to get the stench and dirt from out of your bins?

Follow our step by step guide to get those bins sparkling:

• Prepare: Wear gloves and old clothes for protection.
• Rinse: Use a hose or pressure washer to thoroughly rinse the inside and outside of the bin.
• Scrub: Scrub the interior with a mixture of detergent and warm water, paying attention to corners and crevices.
• Rinse Again: Ensure all residues are washed away with another thorough rinse.
• Deodorant (Optional): Use baking soda or a water and vinegar solution to neutralise odours if necessary.
• Clean Exterior: Wipe down the exterior with a cloth or sponge soaked in a mild cleaning solution.
• Dry: Let the bin air dry completely before using it again.
• Regular Maintenance: Consider rinsing the bin after each collection

Local Recycling Points in Greater Manchester 

https://recycleforgreatermanchester.com/find-a-recycling-centre/

For residents of Greater Manchester (Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Salford, Stockport, Tameside, or Trafford) you can use any of the 20 recycling centres across Greater Manchester for free on this link. 

On here it will show you all the info for each centres, ie, Address, Times & Height allowance for each type of vehicle (Car, Van, Lorry etc).

To make you aware, these recycling centres are for resident’s household waste only, strictly no trade waste. 

Bins Specifications

140 litre wheelie bin: Your normal sized waste bin but on a diet. 

240 litre wheelie bin: Your everyday normal sized bin. This is the most common wheeled bin in the UK. 

360 litre wheelie bin: This recycling bin is bit bigger. They are usually more suited to larger families.

660 litre wheelie bin: This is a larger wheelie bin size with four wheels often used for commercial or industrial waste collection.

1100 litre wheelie bin: This is one of the largest size bins you can get and you will mostly find these around business and commercial properties around the UK. 

1280 litre Wheelie Bin: These are the ultimate disposers. Ideal for High Rise Apartments. 

Final Words 

In wrapping up this comprehensive guide to property waste management, it's evident that the role of a property manager, landlord, or estate agent encompasses far more than meets the eye. Beyond the polished exteriors and manicured landscapes lies a significant responsibility—a commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.

The journey through the various facets of property waste management, from handling household waste with care to navigating the complexities of asbestos disposal, underscores a pivotal message: effective waste management is not just about tidiness; it's about fostering sustainable communities. By adhering to the principles outlined, such as the Householder's Duty of Care, encouraging recycling, and combating fly-tipping, we embark on a path that not only elevates our property's value but also contributes to a healthier planet.

As we close this guide, let's remember that the steps we take today towards responsible waste management echo far beyond our properties. They ripple out into the community, influencing others and setting a standard for environmental responsibility. Whether through innovative waste solutions in high-rise apartments, managing bulky waste with efficiency, or keeping communal bin areas pristine, our actions shape the world we live in.