Waste disposal advice for students and landlords

15 June 2026

Students moving out of rented accommodation ahead of the summer holidays are being offered advice to help them dispose of unwanted items safely and responsibly.

West Northamptonshire Council is reminding both students and landlords of their responsibilities, as part of efforts to help keep neighbourhoods clean and tidy and to avoid the need for enforcement action.

Failure to dispose of waste correctly can lead to serious penalties, including a fine of up to £1,000 or even court action. 

Waste management advice for students:

• Making the best use of your waste and recycling collection service will help you recycle and dispose of a range of items. You can find out what goes in each bin or sack here and check your next collection day by typing your postcode here or by downloading the West Northamptonshire app.
• Extra recycling: If you have a wheelie bin for your recycling and it is full, you can put extra recycling in a clear or white plastic bag and place it next to your bin on your collection day.
• Extra bins: If you live in or are renting a household with more than 6 people, you can request a bigger black bin, an additional blue bin and two food caddies by calling 0300 126 7000
• Unwanted clothes, bed linen, towels and more can all be recycled by booking a free collection with the council’s Clothing Collection service. 
• Batteries and small electrical items that no longer work can be recycled by placing them on top of the right bin on your collection day.
• Household Waste Recycling Centres are the best place to get rid of any extra recycling or larger items that cannot be collected as part of the kerbside collection service. You must book a slot before visiting, and this can be done up to two weeks in advance or as little as half an hour before you intend to visit, so long as there are slots available but it is recommended you plan ahead to ensure you have enough time to dispose of items
• Larger items of furniture that are too big for a car can be donated to charity so long as they are clean and undamaged, with a number of local charities offering free collections. Damaged items that you cannot get to a recycling centre can be disposed of by booking a Bulky Waste collection through the Council.

Landlords are reminded that waste from rental properties, even if this has been left behind by tenants, is classed as commercial waste, so it cannot be left out for the Council to collect.

Owners of rented properties must use a licensed waste carrier. They may also register as a waste carrier and use the paid-for trade waste service available at the Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres at Sixfields or Ecton Lane.

Receipts from the disposal of commercial waste (Waste Transfer Notes) must be kept for up to two years. 

Cllr Andrew Last, Cabinet Member for HR, Corporate and Regulatory Services, said: “Fixed penalties of up to £1,000 can be served for improper disposal of waste (fly tipping) or you can even be prosecuted in court.
“It may sound obvious but do plan ahead to ensure you have enough time to safely dispose of unwanted or broken items, and to book collections or a slot at your local recycling centre.

“We would also like to remind landlords that any waste you dispose of from your rental property is classed as commercial waste, and that means it must be disposed of legally and correctly. Don’t get caught out by using unauthorised waste carriers, who are likely to fly tip your waste -not only will you still be liable to get it removed but you could also be fined.”