Assisted collections
If you cannot carry containers to the kerbside for health reasons, we can help you with an assisted waste collection. There is no cost for this service.
We will collect containers from an agreed place outside your home. We will empty them and bring them back.
Assisted collections are reviewed periodically. However, if you no longer need an assisted waste collection, please tell us using My Waste Services as soon as you would like it to stop.
Clinical waste collections
We offer a free service to collect clinical waste from homes.
Clinical waste can cause infection or may be hazardous to health. This is why it needs to be disposed of separately.
Clinical waste may include:
- Needles and syringes
- Swabs and dressings
- Empty insulin cartridges
- Dialysis products
- Infectious swabs or dressings
Low Grade Waste does not require a clinical collection. All Low Grade Waste can be disposed of in your household waste.
Low grade waste includes:
- empty bedpans
- incontinence pads
- empty stoma bags
- empty urine containers
- non-infectious swabs or dressings
- absorbent hygiene products such as incontinence pads or sheets and colostomy bags
- other waste classed as non-infectious
Please double-bag these items before putting them in your household waste bin.
Bulky waste collections
We can collect large bulky items such as furniture or domestic appliances, including:
- Sofas and armchairs
- Tables
- Chairs
- Mattresses
- Bed frames
- White goods (for example, fridges and freezers)
- Doors (wood only)
Items can only be collected if two people are able to lift them.
Until 31 March 2025, the charge for collecting up to three bulky items is £73.40, and an extra £18.40 for each additional item. There is a maximum limit of five items per collection.
We may not be able to collect some items, such as example old fuel tanks. Please talk to us on 0300 123 2224 before making an online booking for unusual bulky waste.
Reusable items
We are working in partnership with British Heart Foundation to reuse bulky waste items where possible, so we now ask residents to confirm if they believe the items they are booking for collection are reusable.
For an item to be classed as reusable, it must meet the following conditions. Please check that your reusable items:
- work properly.
- are not damaged.
Upholstered items:
- Upholstered items are items that have cushioning, padding or a fabric covering. For example:
- sofas
- chairs
- cushions
- bean bags
- All items must have a fire label attached (this is a legal requirement). Please visit British Heart Foundation online for more information on fire labels.
- All items must be good working condition
- There must be rips, stains, or any other damage.
See our Reuse information for details of how to donate items directly to local reuse groups who may be able to collect them from you.
Another option is to use an online marketplace for the collection of bulky waste, furniture and appliances. LoveJunk matches you to nearby licensed waste carriers and also reuse charities and is free to use.
Many large and bulky items, such as mattresses, furniture and white goods, can be taken to all recycling sites at no cost, but some items may be charged for.
If you pay someone else to take away your bulky waste, whether a ‘man-with-a-van’ or a tradesperson, make sure they have a waste carrier’s licence and ask them where your waste will go. Otherwise you may be contributing to fly-tipping.
Check they are registered as a ‘waste carrier, broker or dealer’ with the Environment Agency online or by phoning 03708 506 506.
Unwanted mobility and occupational therapy equipment
If you have equipment which was loaned to you for a social need which you did not purchase privately, please read Equipment to help you. You will find more information about returning loaned equipment to Medequip.
You can also get in touch with the Adult Services Customer Contact Team on 0300 123 2224 for advice on your nearest drop-off point for unwanted, loaned (but not privately purchased) mobility and occupational therapy equipment.
For recycling options for stairlifts or mobility scooters, contact Stairlift and Mobility Recycling or phone 01535 612167.