Waste Management in Rental Properties

Landlords should ensure that the property has sufficient waste facilities for the anticipated usage. For example, if more than five people are in the property, some local authorities allow a second waste bin. To minimise waste, landlords should encourage recycling. Different local authorities have different systems and rules. For example, in some areas, the recycling is all in one container and other areas, the householder separates the recycling. A simple sheet, often available from the local authority, should be provided explaining the local system. Alongside this, tenants should be told when the different collections take place.

Where vacating tenants leave waste in the property or garden on move out, the landlord should arrange for this to be removed if it exceeds the capacity of the regular collection. Some of this can be reduced by providing tenants, as the move approaches, with information about bulk waste collection. Many local authorities offer a chargeable waste collection service for large items, and telling the tenant how to engage with this service can reduce the amount left. It is essential to understand that removing waste is a licensed activity, and the landlord should only provide information about licensed waste carriers and should only use licensed waste carriers themselves. It is an offence to use an unlicensed waste carrier.