Trash & Recycling Rules
Use these phrases to ask your caretaker or landlord about the waste and recycling rules in your new home.
Key Phrases
Hey, I was wondering where exactly all the household trash goes.
casualUS — 'trash' is the standard word for waste.
Could you show me where we should put our household rubbish?
neutralUK — 'rubbish' is the standard word for waste.
Would you mind telling me where the dumpsters are located in this complex?
politeUS — a 'dumpster' is a large communal waste container.
What day of the week is garbage day around here?
casualUS — informal way to ask when waste is collected.
Do you know which days the rubbish is usually collected?
neutralUK — standard way to ask about the collection schedule.
Do we have to sort the paper from the plastic recycling in this building?
casualCould you explain how we need to sort our waste for the building?
politeMore polite — good for speaking to a property manager.
Does broken glass go in the blue bin or the green one?
casualCould you tell me which bin I should use for food waste and compost?
politeWhat am I supposed to do with big cardboard boxes from moving?
casualWhere is the best place to leave large items like old pieces of furniture?
neutralI just wanted to let you know that the communal recycling bins are completely overflowing.
neutralHow do I go about requesting a new recycling bin for my apartment?
neutralHey, I just moved in and I have a quick question about the garbage.
casualUsed when chatting with a friendly, approachable caretaker.
Excuse me, I'm a new tenant. Could you help me understand the recycling rules?
politeMore formal — use if you do not know the staff well.