Be sure you're not talking just rubbish about bin disposals

by Mary-Anne Bowring

Although it may seem a trivial issue to some, for those who live in residential blocks, issues regarding refuse bins is a grey area.

www.leaseholdersupport.co.uk explains all the information you need to diagnose the problem and take action.

Normally the number of bins a residential development requires is set by the local authority, often as part of the grant of planning permission.

The type of bins a local authority favours will usually depend on who its waste carrier is and what type of waste or refuse trucks are used, as it takes a different kind of refuse lorry to remove a Paladin bin as opposed to a Eurobin.

The common types of bins are the Paladin, Eurobin, wheelie bin and individual bin.

Most authorities have a waste control department who will meet on site, to discuss refuse arrangements and determine which type of bin is suitable for a certain site.

Currently authorities have a duty to clear domestic household waste without charge.

However, certain authorities and piloting schemes whereby residents will be charged or penalised, if they create too much waste or do not recycle.

As a result, many authorities have introduced a recycling scheme some comprise a complex number of rubbish receptacles, each with a different purpose.

There are two options for obtaining the necessary bins once the type has been agreed: outright purchase or rental.

Typically, authorities have rented bins, but it is becoming more commonplace that this is passed on to the private sector. It usually costs about a third of the cost of a bin to rent it.

The site for a bin area is usually a matter that is agreed at the planning stage of a new development.

At the early stage, difficulties may be incurred in gated developments as the right refuse truck needs to be equipped with a key fob.

The authority may have concerns about the distance from the public roadway to a bin area, waste truck access, carrying distance, steps or other hazards.

Typically, collections in England have been weekly, but there have been movements by some authorities to collect less frequently, in an attempt to encourage households to reduce waste and recycle.

For a high density development, a meeting with the waste officer may result in an agreement that collections can be more frequent, which may result in cost savings in either the purchase or hire of the relevant quota of bins.

Most authorities offer a collection and disposal service for bulky items such as furniture and old kitchen appliances.

Increasingly, waste disposal is becoming a more regulated activity and there are certain rules on disposal.

Many authorities offer collection of some types of household items free of charge.

Authorities generally will not collect building materials and rubble as this damages their refuse collection trucks. However, if it is bagged up, disposal of small amounts is free at a local refuse tip.

You can log onto the website www.leaseholdersupport.co.uk where you'll discover further information concerning residential flats.