Shared houses and HMOs

Shared houses

If you live in a shared property or a House in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), you're all jointly responsible for managing waste properly. Make sure you know what goes in each bin and talk to your housemates about how to recycle correctly. It is your responsibility to sort your waste based on Derby’s four system-bin:

• Blue bins are for household recycling.
• Grown bins are for garden waste.
• Green containers are for food waste only.
• Black bins are for any other waste that cannot be recycled in the other bins.

If you put the wrong items in your recycling bins, they will not be emptied. This is called 'contamination' and may result in formal action and considerable financial penalties.

• If your bin is contaminated, we will leave a tag on it.
• The tag has a QR code that you can scan to find out what's gone wrong.

Everyone needs to be on the same page - it’s the best way to ensure that your waste gets collected correctly and avoid potential enforcement action that can affect all of you.

There are several other reasons why bins may not have been emptied including:

• Restricted road access.
• Bin lid not fully closed.
• A genuine mistake.

All information about this can be found in our missed bins page.

You are responsible for putting your bins out correctly and removing them from the street after collection. Leaving bins permanently on the pavement is not allowed and may result in enforcement action and considerable financial penalties.

Learn more about how to present your bins.

Replacement or extra bins

Under the Simpler Recycling legislation, all landlords and managing agents are legally required to:

• provide the correct number of bins
• keep bins in good condition
• ensure bin areas are clean, secure and easy to access.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, please contact your landlord or managing agent in the first instance.

For waste produced due to medical or healthcare needs, including incontinence, visit our clinical waste page.

Other disposal options

Never leave waste beside bins, at the kerbside or in public spaces. If an item doesn’t fit in the bin, choose another disposal option. Your waste is your responsibility and fly-tipping is a crime.

For other items such as electrical or larger items, you can arrange a visit to Raynesway Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC). You can make use of Raynesway HWRC up to 12 times per year. You’ll need to book a slot before you visit.

Alternatively, we offer a bulky waste collection service which can be arranged for a fee, where we will collect waste and any bulky items from the kerbside.  

If your items are in working, or good condition, you can consider donating to the Reuse Raynesway shop or a local charity shop.

For other ideas visit our reduce your waste page.