Disposing of Bulky Waste
Bulky waste includes large items that won't fit in your regular bin, such as furniture, appliances, and mattresses.
It's important to dispose of bulky waste properly to keep our estates clean and safe for everyone.
Free bulky waste disposal service for Wandsworth residents
What is Bulky Waste?
Bulky waste includes items such as:
- Furniture (sofas, beds, wardrobes, tables, chairs)
- White goods (fridges, freezers, washing machines, cookers)
- Mattresses and bed frames
- Carpets and flooring
- Large electrical items
- Garden furniture
How to Dispose of Bulky Waste
Council Collection Service
Most local councils offer a bulky waste collection service. This is usually the best option for disposing of large items.
- Contact your local council to arrange a collection
- There may be a charge for this service
- The council will give you a collection date
- Put items out on the agreed date (not before)
Household Waste Recycling Centre
You can take bulky items to your local household waste recycling centre (tip) for free.
Find your nearest centre on your local council's website.
Charity Shops and Reuse Organizations
If items are in good condition, consider donating them to:
- Charity shops
- Furniture reuse projects
- Community organizations
Many charities offer free collection services for furniture and electrical items.
Sell or Give Away
You could also try selling or giving away items through:
- Online marketplaces (eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree)
- Freecycle or Freegle
- Local community groups
What NOT to Do
DO NOT:
- Leave bulky items in communal areas (hallways, landings, bin stores)
- Dump items outside your property or on the estate
- Put bulky items in or next to communal bins
- Leave items out for collection before the agreed date
Doing so may result in:
- Fire hazards
- Blocked access for emergency services
- Pest infestations
- Charges for removal
- Potential tenancy action
Fly Tipping
Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of waste. It's a criminal offence and can result in fines of up to £50,000 or imprisonment.
What is Fly Tipping?
Fly tipping includes:
- Dumping household waste on public or private land
- Leaving bulky items on the street or communal areas
- Dumping garden waste
- Abandoning vehicles
Report Fly Tipping
If you see fly tipping on our estates, please report it:
To Southward Housing: 07907 631333 or email admin@southwardhousing.co.uk
To your local council: Contact your council's environmental services team
When reporting, please provide:
- Location of the fly tipping
- Description of the waste
- Photos if possible
- Any information about who dumped it (if known)
Removal Costs
If bulky waste or fly tipping is traced back to a resident, we may charge for the cost of removal.
This can include:
- Collection and disposal costs
- Staff time
- Vehicle costs
These charges will be added to your rent account.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does council bulky waste collection cost?
Costs vary by council. Contact your local council for their current charges. Some councils offer free collections for certain items or for residents on benefits.
Can I leave items outside for someone else to take?
No, you should not leave items outside your property. If you want to give items away, use proper channels like Freecycle or arrange for someone to collect them at a specific time.
What if I can't afford the council collection charge?
Contact your local council to ask about concessions or free collections. You can also take items to the recycling centre yourself or donate to charity.
What happens if I'm moving out?
You must remove all belongings and leave the property clean and clear. If you leave items behind, we will charge you for removal and disposal.