TRC strive for an environment where all communities in Bristol, and across the UK, are recycling, reusing and reducing their waste

Black recycling boxes are a common sight on Bristol’s Streets. However Bristol's 27,000 flats are not served by this kebside service. Fortunately the RIFE project is here to help.

Since 2004 the RIFE project has been helping Bristol City Council to develop its network of ‘Mini Recycling Centres’ (MRC’s). These MRC's usually consist of six large wheelie bins located in bin stores, car parks or a convenient location near to the main entrance of the block. The MRC generally has 1 bin for cans, 2 for paper and 3 bins for the different colours of glass.

To date , RIFE working with Bristol City Council and its waste and recycling contractor, SITA, has installed over 450 MRC's. These serve the majority of Bristol's flats, however more are being installed at new developments and at the few remaining sites without a recycling service.

RIFE is also working with residents, caretakers and managing agents to increase residents participation and recycling output through a programme of canvassing, site based promotion and community involvement.

The success of the project can be measured by the amount recycled :

Over 1,000 tonnes of materials was collected in 2008 alone!

Every time the bins are emptied all the paper, cans and glass collected from your MRC are weighed. This allows us to create a league table showing which flats' residents are currently the best recyclers and which flats are lagging behind.

This league, which also includes a seperate student league table, can be seen by clicking the link below.

FLATS RECYCLING LEAGUE 2008 (Updated July 2009)

Take a look at how blocks of flats have improved their recycling rates over a 5 year period by following the link below

FLATS RECYCLING LEAGUE 2004 - 2008 (Updated June 2009)

If your block is doing well, keep up the good work! If you are disappointed by your blocks performance and would like us to promote recycling at your property please contact us.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT? Paper, cans and glass represent a large proportion of the waste that is produced by a household. However many residents would like to be able to recycle more of their waste at their MRC.

Thankfully, the possibility of recycling new materials at flats is currently being investigated. Food and cardboard are most likely to be the latest additions added to the list of items collected from flats. Any developments will be reported through this web site.

PLASTIC FANTASTIC! We receive many enquiries regarding the recycling of Plastic at flats, however due to its bulky nature it is unlikely to be collected from your flats for the foreseeable future. However plastic bottle bring banks are now more numerous than ever. Please click on the link below to locate your closest plastic bottle bank.

PLASTIC BOTTLE BANKS

A BAG FOR RIFE! 19,000 residents across Bristol have already been provided with a recycling bag and distribution is continuing.  These reusable, washable, foldable bags make transporting your recyclable materials from your flat to your MRC very convenient. The bag also acts as a great reminder, as information about what can be recycled is printed on your bag.

If your block of flats does not have an MRC, you can request one by contacting us using the contact details at the top of this page. Or apply online using Bristol City Council's order form, click the link below.

REQUEST A NEW MRC

If you require new or replacement bins, bin stickers or signage please contact us.

RIFE no longer deals with plastic bottle recycling, although if you want to find your closest plastic bottle bank, use the link below.

PLASTIC BOTTLE BANK LOCATION

If you are interested in providing recycling facilities for your block please read on, as further information about the installation process is explained.

The provision of recycling bins and the collection service is free for all domestic properties within Bristol and is available wherever an MRC is more appropriate than the kerbside collection.

The recycling bins are of 3 different capacity sizes, most commonly 360 litre bins are used, but where space is at a premium 240 litre bins can also be provided.

A standard MRC is made up of 6 wheeled bins, which would serve about 50 households. The space required for an average MRC (6 x 360l bins) is detailed below. Please allow an extra metre in front of the bins for access and servicing.

Where bins are positioned outside they will often be securely locked to a special frame or chained to a fence or wall. In secure locations and in bin stores they are usually left free standing.

If you are unsure about the available space or have other concerns about an MRC at your block, don't worry as a full site assessment is undertaken before installation . This assessment involves RIFE, SITA and a representative from your property or managing agent.

If a safe, suitable location is agreed installation will then proceed. To apply on line click the link below, or for further information contact us.

REQUEST A NEW MRC

In 2005 RIFE workers began distributing recycling bags to those served by a Mini Recycling Centre. Since then almost 20,000 bags been given out and this work is continuing.

The bags are designed for storing paper, cans and glass and for carrying them to the MRC. Once emptied into the separate bins, they are taken home and put back to work collecting more recyclables.

Made from woven polypropylene, the bags are re-usable, washable and can be stored flat when not in use. They are designed to hold a week's worth of recycling and also carry information about all the materials that can be recycled

If you live in a flat with an MRC, and have not yet received a bag please get in touch.

If you want more information or have specific enquiries please contact:

Peter Hall

Email

Tel: 0117 914 3452

Paul Hodgkinson

Email

Tel: 0117 914 3451