Large Unwanted Items
Contents
Making a booking
Collections are usually made on Thursdays (for general household items) and Fridays (for white goods and electricals). You will be able to choose a suitable date from those available when you make a booking. Information about fees and charges.
You can make a booking online and by calling our Customer Services Centre on 0115 981 9911. Payment will be taken in advance over the telephone using your credit or debit card.
Leave your items outside your property in a place where we can get to them as near as possible to where the collection vehicle will pass, but not on the public highway (the road or pavement). A collection date will be confirmed with you when you book.
Advice before you employ any waste carrier
Before hiring any individual or company take down the individual or company details to avoid your unwanted goods contributing to local fly-tipping. Waste carriers are registered by the Environment Agency and listed on its website. You can also check by calling 03708 506 506.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put my old items to good use, rather than just scrapping them?
Contact a local charity of your items are in a reasonable condition. Use our A-Z of Waste to see what you can do with different items. Contact us for more advice.
What can be collected?
We will collect household items such as beds (non-metal), sofas, chairs, dining tables (non metal or glass), carpets, garden furniture, fixtures and fittings, fridges, freezers, washing machines, TVs and cookers.
We have to make clear distinctions about what 'one' item means. Our guidelines are that if something is of no use on its own then it doesn't count as an item. For example:
- A bed, mattress and headboard counts as one item because a headboard and mattress are only ever used with a bed
- A three piece suite counts as three items - the chairs would be perfectly useable without the sofa
- Items in a bathroom suite are separate items - a toilet doesn't require a bath to be useful.
Please note: In a very small number of cases, it may not be possible to collect your item because it could damage the vehicle or pose a health and safety risk to our staff. When you arrange your collection, our customer services staff will ask you some questions about the size and approximate weight of the item.
What if I do not want to use your service?
You can take any unwanted items to a Household Waste Recycling Centre (waste tip).
What can't be collected?
This service does not collect commercial or industrial waste, builders' rubble, paving slabs, metal items, hazardous/chemical waste, pesticides, oils and any items that are too large to be safely lifted into our vehicles. For more information, please contact us. Read more about the collection of hazardous waste, commercial/trade waste, medical waste, and asbestos.
Why do I need to pay in advance?
It is less time consuming and more efficient.
You can pay with debit or credit card over the phone or online. Should you wish to pay by cash or cheque please call our Customer Contact Centre on 0115 981 9911.
What if I change my mind - can I get a refund?
If you no longer require the service, please let us know at least 48 hours before your scheduled collection so we can cancel the booking and refund you the money.