Communal waste services - information for property managers
How communal waste collection services work
We provide collection services for an agreed number of bins for household developments. The number of bins we can service is calculated according to the number and sizes of homes in the development. The calculated capacity is split equally between refuse bins and recycling bins. Both services are required for all collections.
All properties will soon need to have food waste collections as well. The law is expected to change in 2023, so separate bins will be needed for food waste.
To start a service at a new location
To find out how many bins the council would service for your development, download the service agreement form (xlsx, 45kb). This should be completed and returned to us at waste.management@southwark.gov.uk.
When the number of bins that can be serviced has been agreed, you have two options:
- You can buy your own bins for refuse and recycling collections. They must be of an approved design, and you would be responsible for any repairs, replacements or changes in the future.
- You can hire bins from the council. If you have a valid hire contract, any repairs, replacements or changes in bin types are included in the contract price. This is payable annually.
All properties must be recognised as household addresses and included in the council tax register to qualify for a household waste collection service.
You will need to follow the requirements included in the service agreement form for storage of bins and access by collections crews.
Make an enquiry about communal household waste collections
You can ask us about:
- Bin repair or replacement
- New bin hire contracts
- Changes to an existing bin hire contract
- Setting up a new collection
- Getting service information for residents
- General service enquiries
Page last updated: 09 August 2023
