Too much waste in house shares can become an avoidable issue for co-habiting professionals

 

Waste in house shares is one problem with multi-occupancy that many fail to consider.

 

Living in a multi-occupancy household is often the best, or only, option for working professionals searching for their first solo home or a residence in a new city.

 

It can be a great choice for those who have relocated due to work to meet like-minded people and get a feel for their new location.

 

For those with busy working lifestyles, house shares are a cost-effective base to sleep, eat and shower.

 

However, co-habiting naturally leads to a greater production of waste, and with many professionals leading a fast-paced, work-focused lifestyle, it is uncommon to share groceries within the household.

 

Overflowing bins can often cause stresses that many were not bargaining for and can instigate tensions and fallouts with other occupants.

 

And, with council services on a rapid decline, the rubbish pile-up can occur within days of the last collection.

 

The BBC reports council collections occur weekly for just one in six councils, with some even operating a monthly service.

 

And, as Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council state, any loose refuse or bulky items left by residents does not fall within council remit and can often be left as the tenant’s responsibility.

 

The extra rubbish can not only cause friction within the household but regularly frustrates those in neighbouring properties.

 

One planned conversion of a house into a House of Multiple Occupancy in Wigan was recently thwarted, with rubbish cited as a leading factor.

 

A multi-occupancy governing body also had to be re-established in Portsmouth due to complaints from residents again focusing on high amounts of rubbish.

 

Not only is overflowing waste unsightly, it can cause bad smells and problems with vermin.

 

Waste can also become an issue for the environmentally conscious, who may be grouped with individuals less willing to participate in recycling.

Woman in house share recycling

 

What can be done?

 

The easiest solution to waste in house shares is to organise a private bin collection.

 

Whether it’s done as an individual or through an agreement with other or all occupants of the property, an extra weekly service can combat excess rubbish and tensions.

 

The option can also be used on a short-term contract to clear any unusually high amounts of rubbish, occurring from clear-outs or special occasions.

 

It is also possible to arrange extra recycling collections or a food waste service.

 

Councils currently do not offer separate food waste collections, with recyclable food leftovers ending up in general waste bins and thus, landfill.

 

Opting for a new food waste bin can offer individuals or households an extra disposal method and provide an immediate positive impact on the environment.

 

And, for professionals who may need to bring their work home with them, there’s options to organise safe disposal of secure documents or even clinical and hazardous waste.

 

If you are interested in any of the above private bin collection services to avoid excess waste in house shares, get in touch for your free quote today.