Garbage room in a condominium: what are the rules?

Yes, garbage storage is mandatory in a condominium building. This is a common part which, in principle, should be used only for the collection and storage of household waste.

However, if the configuration of the building does not allow the creation of a garbage room, the garbage bins can be installed in the least inconvenient location for the occupants. This location cannot be the places of access to the stairwell. Bins should be placed as far away as possible from the doors and windows of the building's occupants.

A water point and a sewage outlet must then be provided to allow them to be cleaned.

In a condominium building, the garbage room must meet the following characteristics:

• Be closed and ventilated
• Have doors allowing a hermetic closure
• Have waterproof and non-flammable walls (walls and floor)
• Prevent the intrusion of insects and rodents
• Have a washing station (faucets) and a water drainage system
• Do not communicate directly with dwellings or commercial premises (restaurant, food sales).

The bin room must be kept in a good state of cleanliness, as well as the garbage bins that are installed there. It must therefore be disinfected as often as necessary and at least once a year.

The maintenance and cleaning of the garbage room and household waste bins must be ensured so that no odor can enter the dwellings and commercial premises of the building.

These tasks are performed either by the caretaker (or concierge) of the building, or by an employee mandated by the syndic of co-ownership. They must not cause any discomfort to the neighborhood, nor harm the health of the occupants of the building.

The occupants of the building must have access to the garbage room (or trash bins if there is no room) every day, including if collection is not daily.

The number of bins intended to receive the waste must be sufficient to avoid any overloading.

Trays must be equipped with a lid. They must be colored to allow the selective sorting of household waste.

The law imposes on trustee a specific obligation related to waste. It shall:

• Inform co-owners and occupants of local waste sorting rules
• Indicate the address, times and access methods of the waste disposal facilities on which the co-ownership depends.

This information must be displayed in a visible manner in the spaces allocated to the disposal of household waste, i.e. in or near the bin room. They must also be transmitted by the trustee to the occupants and co-owners at least once a year.

In case of nuisances related to malicious co-owners (for example, dumping of garbage bins next to the bins), you can notify the co-ownership trustee by any means. The trustee will inform the syndicate of co-owners.

If the nuisance comes from the fact that the garbage can does not respect the technical and sanitary characteristics, you can contact the municipal health and hygiene service of the town hall. This service will be able to take measures to bring the premises into conformity.