Waste information and guidance for landlords

The start of the autumn term often sees an increased number of waste-related problems in Exeter, with many student households in rental properties finding that the previous occupants or builders have left waste behind over the summer.

The following information on waste collection policies may help you and your tenants if they have a problem with rubbish.

To help keep Exeter clean, please remember:

1. It is your responsibility as a landlord or managing agent to remove any rubbish left behind and not produced by new tenants.
2. The bins must be empty when your tenants move in. This will ensure they do not overfill their bins, which can lead to ongoing waste management issues.
3. We will communicate with student households to let them know they are not responsible for rubbish that is not theirs and to contact their landlord. The black and green bins provided are for the day-to-day household waste they produce.
4. We will only collect rubbish that is inside a black bin with the lid closed. We will not collect rubbish put beside a bin, on top of a closed bin, or in an overfilled bin so the lid can't be closed. 
5. You must arrange for the removal of any rubbish from the property after a clear-out.This includes any rubbish within the boundary of the property, which may attract vermin or become a nuisance.
6. If you are managing the property’s waste while your tenants are away, do not leave the bin on the pavement at any time other than when it is due for collection. You can put it out from 6pm on the night before collection day, but please bring it back in as soon as you can after it has been collected.
7. Bins left on the pavement are an obstruction and are liable to be removed. You will be charged for a replacement.
8. You may also be charged for bins that go missing (are stolen or otherwise disappear, except where they are damaged by the crew or the collection vehicle) while the property is unoccupied. We advise stickering the bin or painting it with the house number.

We offer a special waste collection service.

Households that overfill their black bin are often not aware what can be recycled in Exeter or do not recycle everything they can.

In Exeter, residents can put the following items in their green bin:

• Tins
• Cans
• Foil
• Plastic packaging (bottles with lids, tubs, pots, trays, non-crinkly bags)
• Cardboard and paper (except wrapping paper)

See our recycling pages for more information.

Residents can put out as much recycling as they like as long as it's in bags beside the green bin.

Thank you for your help keeping Exeter tidy. If you need any further advice, please visit our Bins and recycling popular queries pages.