Improving waste disposal to create sustainable neighbourhoods
The way we dispose of our waste can play a big part in how clean and safe our neighbourhoods are.
One key issue that has been identified is bin chutes. While convenient, they can often be blocked when not used properly, which can lead to health and safety issues for the building. To combat this, we have recently started working with MetroSTOR, who are implementing new bin houses at one of our high-rise blocks, Winterton House. These bin houses will eventually replace the current bin chutes.
MetroSTOR bin houses are enclosed wheeled bin containers in a row of neat units, secured at a safe distance from buildings. They come with many advantages over bin chutes.
Modern lifestyles have increased household refuse, meaning bigger refuse sacks are needed. Bin chutes are often too small to cope with these refuse sacks, often resulting in blocked chutes. As a landlord, we’re responsible for unblocking these chutes, however, this comes at cost – which ultimately effects residents through service charges. MetroSTOR bin houses can accommodate the large bin bags with ease so there are no blockages. This ultimately delivers better value for money for residents.
Bin chutes can also pose a fire risk, especially as they are inside the buildings. The MetroSTOR units are a safer option, as they’re separate from the building and are also fireproof. The risk of fire spreading is reduced by having fireproof, external bin housings.
Another key issue in buildings with bin chutes is that little or no recycling takes place. Currently, Tower Hamlets has the worst recycling stats in London. And in blocks with bin chutes, it’s easy to throw all rubbish together, rather than segregating recycling from general waste. By removing the bin chutes, we hope it will encourage recycling.
Our Environmental Services Manager, Carrie Hodges, said:
We’re looking forward to seeing the MetroSTOR bin houses fully installed at Winterton House soon, and hope that in time we can look at rolling these houses out across more of our neighbourhoods. This is a great opportunity to improve waste disposal and recycling in the area.