Recycling for flats and communally occupied properties
We collect recycling from communal facilities (bin stores) for residents living in flats and communally occupied properties. We do not collect recycling boxes.
There are communal bins for:
- paper and cardboard
- glass bottles and jars
- cans, tins, aerosols and plastics (not including soft plastics)
You need to make sure you are putting your waste in the correct communal recycling bin. Each bin is clearly labelled with the materials that should go in it.
You can look up your collection day using our online calendar.
You can check how to recycle or dispose of items using our Waste Wizard.
Plastics and tin
The way we collect plastic recycling from flats and multiple-resident occupancy properties has changed. Plastics can now be recycled alongside tins in the supplied communal bins.
Both plastic and tin should be placed freely (not gathered in another bag) within the supplied communal bin and presented alongside the other recycling bins on collection day.
Your place of residence may still use the old system (plastics gathered in white or transparent bags), if this is the case you can complete a waste warden assessment.
Please note: Soft plastics, for example carrier bags and film-style food packaging, cannot yet be recycled in these bins.
You can also take plastics to the household waste recycling centre (HWRC).
Food waste
We are currently rolling out food waste recycling to flats and communal properties around Swindon.
You will receive a leaflet from us detailing the service 2-3 weeks prior to the service starting in you building. One week before the service starts you will receive a second leaflet and your indoor ‘kitchen’ caddy, plus a roll of liners to get you started.
A new wheelie bin with a green food waste label will be added to your recycling area and will be emptied weekly.
Find out more about food waste recycling
If your property has a communal food waste recycling bin but you have not received an indoor caddy, please complete a waste warden assessment.
Bulky waste
To dispose of bulky waste, such as old furniture or appliances, you can either make a free appointment to at the household waste and recycling centre (HWRC) or arrange for a bulky waste collection, for a charge.
Bulky waste must not be left in or around your communal bin store.
Other
You can book a free appointment at the household waste and recycling centre (HWRC) for any items that cannot be recycled or disposed of via the bins in your communal bin store.
Collections
We empty communal bin stores every fortnight, except food waste bins that are emptied weekly. Please make sure your recycling is in the correct bin by 6.30am on the day of your collection. You can check your collection day using our online calendar.
We cannot collect waste left on the floor in communal recycling facilities and will only collect waste when the area is safe to enter. All bin lids must be closed in order for a collection to take place. We may not empty overfilled bins.
Flats without recycling facilities
There are still a small number of flats that have refuse collections only and have no recycling facilities.
If your household does not receive a recycling collection, you can choose to take your recyclable materials to the household waste recycling centre (HWRC). You can also speak to your landlord or management company about what other recycling provisions could be made.