Garchey 101

Garchey Waste Disposal System (this originates in the Residents Information Pack)

Many residents whose flats still have the Garchey waste disposal system should be aware of the importance of having the system cleaned on a monthly basis. Not doing so can result in unpleasant smells not only in your flat, but also those of your neighbours. Above we refer to regular cleaning as opposed to blockages that may require emergency repair. You can contact the BEO Repairs team via email, telephone or via the newly launched Barbican Estate App to arrange emergency repairs if the system is blocked and not flushing. If you would like to have your Garchey cleaned regularly and pay for the service, then speak to one of the concierges or car park attendants who will help you to make arrangements. If you wish to be adventurous and are handy with DIY, the BEO Repairs team will even give you a demonstration on how to disassemble and clean the Garchey yourself.

Please also note that all food waste should now be disposed of via the food waste recycling collection boxes that are provided to all flats.

Below is information from the Residents Information Pack as indicated in the previous section of this e-Update.

A Garchey Refuse Disposal Unit was originally installed underneath each kitchen sink to take most of your normal waste materials. However, you should now dispose of items which can be recycled in the clear sacks provided. 

If blockages occur they should be reported at once to the Repairs Reporting Line; do not use the Garchey until the blockage has been cleared. To report issues with your Garchey email Repairs Service Desk on propertyservices@cityoflondon.gov.uk or call 020 7029 3909, 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

A number of residents have removed the Garchey unit and installed alternative waste disposal systems. In these cases whilst the maintenance of the existing Garchey pipe work remains the responsibility of the City of London Corporation as Landlord, any new installation within the flat becomes the responsibility of the long lessee who will nonetheless remain liable to contribute towards the maintenance of the Garchey system via the service charge under the terms of the long lease.

The Garchey must not be used between 11pm and 7am to prevent noise disturbance to other people.

At regular intervals (once a month) the unit should be dismantled and cleaned. You can request a demonstration of how to do this by calling the Repairs Service Desk.

When leaving your flat unoccupied, it is good practice to insert the Garchey key provided for dismantling the unit into the slots located at the top of the Garchey unit. (Do not turn). This will reduce the risk of flooding should a blockage occur in the system.

It is not possible to recover items deposited in the Garchey Refuse Disposal Unit once flushed away. However if something valuable is inadvertently deposited in the Garchey unit, then it should NOT be flushed and you should notify the Repairs Service Desk immediately. An attempt can then be made to recover the item, but no guarantee or responsibility can be accepted by the City Corporation.

Items which are not disposed of via the Garchey system will be collected on weekdays for disposal or recycling -> https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/services/waste-and-recycling/household-waste-and-recycling

If any repair or demonstration on how to use the Garchey is required, please call the Repairs Service Desk to arrange access/ a suitable time. There is no additional charge for this service.

Note: A Garchey cleaning service is not provided as this is the responsibility of residents.

• Please flush your Garchey, even if not used regularly, at least once a day to change the water in the system, thus reducing the likelihood of stale water smells rising from the unit.
• Food waste and even broken glass can be disposed of through the Garchey system, as once it is flushed there is no manual handing of the waste beyond that point.
• Please do not put plastic bags or any other material that traps air inside, as this can lead to the objects not ‘flushing away’ and potentially causing a blockage of the unit.
• When disposing of plant/flower materials through the Garchey, please cut the stems down to no more than 10cm lengths.