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Bulky waste collection

Bulky waste collection: how to get rid of large items

Many councils will collect sofas, mattresses and fridges from your home, usually for a fee. You book it through your council. Here's how it works, and other ways to get rid of big items.

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Your council's services

Find your council's services in the Loci app

Pop in your postcode to check Loci works where you live. Then download the free app to get bin day reminders and go straight to the right page on your council's website.
Bin day reminder on the Loci app

Step by step 

How to book a bulky waste collection

Every council runs its own bulky waste collection, with its own prices and rules. The steps are much the same wherever you live.

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Bulky waste is usually anything too big for your bin, such as sofas, mattresses, beds, wardrobes, fridges and washing machines. Most councils publish a list of what they will and won't collect, so check it before you book.

Other options

Other ways to get rid of large items

A council collection isn't your only option for large items. Depending on what it is and what condition it's in, one of these might be cheaper or quicker.

Council services in your pocket

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Paying someone to take it away? Check they're licensed

You're responsible for your rubbish until it's disposed of properly. If you pay someone who isn't a registered waste carrier and your items are fly-tipped, you could be fined. In England, ask for their waste carrier number and check it on the Environment Agency's register. 

Your council's bulky waste page, in a couple of taps

Council Search shows the most relevant pages from your council's website for your postcode, so you can go straight to booking. Not sure what your council collects? Ask AI search, which answers using your council's own website and links to the page it used. It's free on iPhone and Android. 

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Bin day reminder on the Loci app

Residents guides 

More bin guides 

Answers to the bin questions residents ask most. 

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Missed bin collection?

What to do if your bin wasn't emptied, and how to report it to your council.

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What each bin colour usually means, and why it changes between councils.

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What can go in your recycling bin?

What goes in, what stays out and why the rules change between councils.

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Garden waste collections

How garden waste subscriptions work and when collections run.

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Find your bin collection calendar
Find your bin collection calendar

Where to find your collection dates and how to keep up with changes.

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All bin guides
All bin guides

Every bin and recycling guide in one place, plus your council's page.

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Bulky waste collection: your questions answered

It's a council service that collects large household items that won't fit in your bin, such as sofas, mattresses and fridges. You book it through your council, and there's usually a charge.

Your local community app

Bin days, bulky waste bookings and council services for your area, free in one app.

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