If you live in a flat in Harrow, your bin services may be different to residents who live in houses.
Some residents have communal bins. Others have bins just for their household.
Flats with shared communal bins
If you live in a block of flats, you may have use of shared communal bins including the use of a:
- large general waste bin (grey)
- large recycling waste bin (blue)
- a food waste bin (red or black)
Flats with household waste bins
If you live in a flat conversion or maisonette, you may have your own household waste bins. This may include the use of a:
Bin collections for residents in flats
General waste bins and food waste bins are collected every week.
Some flats have higher volumes of waste on a regular basis. These flats will have their bins collected every week.
Recycling bins are collected every week. It is collected on the same day as your general and food waste bins.
Food waste bins and Food waste caddies are collected every week.
To view your bin collection schedule, enter your address on our bins page.
Please note, not all addresses have a bin schedule currently. Please bear with us as we continue to improve this service for residents of flats.
What goes in what bin type?
To find out what goes in each bin type, select a bin type below:
Please take extra care to follow the guidelines. Contamination of bins may result in your bins not being collected by our bin crews.
For managers of flats
If you manage a block of flats our bin crews need to make sure they can access the bin stores. Our bin crews need the key code, key, fob (four sets), or a way of accessing bin stores.
Without access our bin crews will not be able to collect the bins. You can give the bin crews the correct access when you meet them, on a site inspection. You can also post it to: PO Box 1358, Harrow, HA3 3QN.
Order new bins for your flat
If you use shared communal bins you cannot order individual bins. If you have questions about your communal bins, you should speak to the manager(s) of your flat.
If you have the use of household waste bins in your flat you can order new bins online.
When we receive your application, we will visit your property. We will check if there is enough space for extra bin(s). We will then send an invoice to the person who submitted the application.
A payment will be requested, and once received, your bin(s) will be dispatched. It can take up to four weeks to receive your new bin(s).
Please note that we do not supply recycling bins to flats above shops. This is because we cannot guarantee the bins will stay clean. The public might contaminate them.
There is also a lack of space to store the bins safely near shops.
Food waste in flats
If you live in a flat and do not have a food waste bin, we'll supply a communal food waste store. It will be placed alongside your other recycling bins.
You will receive a food caddy and biodegradable bags. Instructions on what you can recycle and how will be provided.
When will my food waste be collected?
Your food waste is collected every week. It is collected with your general rubbish or recycling. To view your bin collection schedule, enter your address on our Bins page.
How will food waste be collected?
Every flat will receive a kitchen food waste caddy. We will install larger communal bins. They will go next to your rubbish bins. You will need to line the caddy with one of the liners provided, or with newspaper.
When it’s full, tie the bag and put the waste in the communal bin ready for collection.
What goes in the food waste caddy?
Leftover food, including:
- raw and cooked food
- fruit and vegetable peelings
- dairy and eggshells
- bread and pastries
- meat, fish and bones
- tea bags and coffee grounds
- rice, pasta and beans
Please do not put any packaging, garden waste or liquids in your caddy. Please do not use a plastic liner, instead, use bio bags or newspaper.
What if I don’t have room for the food waste caddy in your kitchen?
The kitchen caddy is small and is designed to be kept on a kitchen work surface or under the sink. If you do not want to use the caddy, you can use the liners provided. You can put them into the communal bin outside.
Will my food caddy smell?
Your caddy shouldn’t smell if you empty it into the outside bin. The lids are designed to lock by flipping the handle. The caddy will contain smells and stop contents spilling if it’s knocked over.
The caddies can be rinsed out and are safe to put in the dishwasher.
What happens to the food waste?
Your food waste is taken to a processing plant. It is then broken down and turned into energy and compost. Six recycled tea bags can make enough energy to boil a kettle.
Can I have an extra caddy or replacement caddy?
Yes, you can order a new kitchen caddy on our order a new or extra bin page.
Can I use plastic bags in my caddy?
No. Please do not use plastic carrier bags as they cannot be processed.
Where can I get extra liners?
If you run out of liners you can buy them from most supermarkets, as well as Harrow libraries.
Why should I recycle my food waste?
It costs us less to recycle food than to send as general waste. It can produce green energy and fertilisers so it’s good for the planet as well as your pocket.
Where can I find out more about food waste?
If you live in a flat and have a question, email flatsfoodwaste@harrow.gov.uk.