Description and aims of task
Also referred to as ‘lumber’ and ‘bulk items’, this relates to large domestic, household items that have been disposed of on estates.

If a tenant or resident has bulk items to dispose of they are expected to inform the caretaker, who will instruct them where there are designated lumber collection points. The caretaker should then inform the Bulk Refuse Team. We aim to have lumber collected by the end of the next working day.

It is the responsibility of the tenant or resident to leave their lumber in a designated collection point safely and securely. If left in non-designated areas, or left in a manner that is not secure or safe, lumber can present health and safety hazards. If tenants or residents leave lumber or non-domestic waste in non-designated lumber points this is classed as fly-tipping, and they could be fined. This is also considered to be an act of antisocial behaviour, and could affect the perpetrators lease or tenancy. Any tenants or leaseholders who have building or other work carried out on their property should ensure that their contractors dispose of waste and do not leave any on the block or estate.

Where lumber has been left in non-designated areas, or has not been made safe and secure, it is the responsibility of the caretaker to make safe whatever has been left and arrange for its collection with the Bulk Refuse Team.

Caretakers should always apply Manual Handling Guidelines when dealing with the removal of lumber.

Where shopping trolleys have been left in blocks or on estates caretakers should phone the store the trolley is from to arrange collection. Please refer to the Caretakers Manual for the relevant phone numbers for each store.

• The area is either completely free of lumber, OR
• Any lumber that is present is stored appropriately and securely in a designated lumber point and has been reported by the caretaker to the lumber crew

In this photo the lumber is left at a designated point and has been stacked safely and securely

• There may small, single items of lumber present in a non-designated area but that are not obstructing a walkway or exit and which have been left securely
• No lumber that is unsecured or blocking a walkway or exit

In this photo a small item has been left at a non-designated point i.e. a communal landing, but which is not obstructing exits or walkways

• There may be items of lumber in non-designated areas, but that do not represent a health and safety hazard

In this photo a shopping trolley has been left at a non-designated point. Lumber has been left in the corner, but in a manner that is not unsafe or unsecured

• A grade D area may have:
  • Lumber left in a way that is unsecured or inappropriate; OR
• Excessive quantities of lumber left at an undesignated area; OR
• Lumber blocking exits or walkways

In this photo the lumber has been left at a designated point, but it is not left safely or securely