inpractice
Can someone just sort out the bin store?
I n London in particular there’s a fundamental problem that’s causing lots of properties to fall below acceptable cleanliness and hygiene standards and is impacting rents and rentability…and it’s all to do with bin stores, reports Ben White. With underground waste storage chambers yet to establish a major foothold in the capital, the most common method of waste storage in properties with 6 or more households involves a storage room containing bins. Blocks without a strict waste management strategy and effectively planned cleaning schedules quickly see these bin stores start to suffer. Overflowing bins and rubbish on the floor not only creates an unattractive property, poor hygiene and nasty smells, but also attract rats and other pests. On some sites residents only use the bins nearest to the entrance of the bin store area, to avoid going into the room all together. Instead they just throw their rubbish on top of what’s already there which leads to large accumulations on the floor. “It becomes a vicious circle,” said one resident. “But I do all I can to avoid going anywhere near the bin store. It’s horrid” At a recent block management meeting in Hounslow, tempers were frayed when it came to agenda item number six. “Can somebody please just sort out the f******* bin store,” raged one angst-ridden resident.
specialise in keeping bin stores properly cleaned and maintained. “You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes,” explains Conan. “When the bin stores and bins are cleaned and maintained effectively, residents quickly change their behaviour and the problem literally goes away.” How often? “Proactive property managers we work with at LBC, normally choose to have the bins and bin storage areas deep cleaned and disinfected on their developments at least once a quarter,” added Conan. “The problem with the bin stores in many shared developments is that the regular on-site cleaners are tasked with cleaning the bin stores armed with just their mop and bucket – but they’re not the right tools for the job. “Cleaning a food stained, uneven concrete surface like that is as effective as cutting the grass with a pair of scissors,” Conan said. “The best way to maintain bin stores is with a deep clean and disinfection using hot pressure washing equipment. And, like any job, when you get the professionals in, with the right kit, the results are fast and visual. There is no easier way to show your residents that you are actively improving their property and their standards of living.” Conan Sammon Managing Director at LBC Exterior Cleaning
The best way to maintain bin stores properly is with a deep clean and disinfection using hot pressure washing equipment
It's a common and major problem in blocks: the stinking bin store. Conan offers a solution.
Tasked with finding ways to address the problem it was fascinating to hear the suggestions put forward: • CCTV in the bin storage area! • Better signage on the walls. • Leaving the bin lids open, so it’s easier to throw into! • Contracting someone to rotate the bins and bring the empty ones nearer to the door One property management company in Brent apparently
employs an external contractor to go into their bin store every day to pick up the rubbish from the floor, make sure all the bin lids are closed and rotate the empty bins closer to the door. Surely there has to be a better solution! Conan Sammon founded London Bin Cleaning (LBC) seven years ago and has now expanded to a fleet of seven trucks and a team of 12. They
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