Bulky Waste Collection Service

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the Bulky Waste Service?

Hounslow Council’s cost-effective and convenient collection service for the removal of large household items that are too big for normal household waste collection bins such as broken furniture and fridges.

Who can use the Bulky Waste service?

To use the Bulky Waste service, you must be registered to pay Council Tax in Hounslow and your payment details must match your Council Tax address. Landlords with properties in the borough can also utilise the Bulky Waste service which is a new edition to the service.

What does it cost?

The price has decreased to £41 for up to 5 items (previously £50), with any additional items charged at £8.20 per item. Residents in receipt of Council Tax Reduction are eligible for the discounted rate of £15 for up to 5 items, with any additional items charged at £3 per item. The cost to landlords is £72 for up to 5 items, with additional items charged at £14.40.

What is Council Tax Reduction?

Council Tax Reduction is a scheme offered by the London Borough of Hounslow and is intended to reduce the amount of Council Tax payable by those on low-income or in receipt of certain means-tested benefits. It is not the same as single occupancy council tax discount. You will have a unique 6-digit reference number if you are in receipt of Council Tax Reduction and you will need to provide this number when booking your collection.

What are the collection days?

Collections are now available 5 days per week (Mon – Fri) with the option to select your preferred collection day (subject to availability) resulting in reduced waiting times and greater flexibility to the service.

What time will the collection take place?

Collections can take place anytime between 7am and 3pm on your chosen collection day. Your items must be presented at the agreed collection point by 7am.

What is the agreed collection point?

The agreed collection point is the front garden or driveway. We cannot collect items from back gardens, alleyways or side entrances or from inside your property.

How often can I use the service?

You can use the service as many times as you want, making it easier for residents to dispose of their bulky waste items all year round – but remember the minimum charge is for  up to 5 items, so it may be worth waiting until you have 5 items to dispose of before booking a collection.

How do I book a Bulky Waste collection?

Bookings can be made by calling 020 8583 5555, selecting option 1. When you are ready to book a collection please have your payment details to hand.

Which large items can be collected?

These are examples of the types of bulky waste that we can collect, you may be required to describe your item including the size and approximate weight for some items.

  • Furniture

  • Mattresses and beds

  • Strong CLEAR bags (3 CLEAR bags equals 1 bulky waste item, so a standard 5 item collection could be up to 15 CLEAR bags)

  • Bicycles

  • Electricals

  • Computers and televisions

  • White goods (e.g. refrigerators and washing machines)

  • Cooking oil - no more than 25 litres in a sealed container

If you have any questions related to an item you wish to be collected, please call 020 8583 5555 and speak to an advisor, alternatively please email recycling@hounslow.gov.uk

Which large items cannot be collected?

  • Garden waste (soft, bag-able) - the garden waste collection service or Space Way Re-Use and Recycling Centre should be used for this type of material; large trees can be collected through the bulky waste service but must be cut into manageable pieces.

  • Cast iron baths, pianos, paving slabs, rubble - these items are too heavy for two operatives to lift. We recommend using a specialist contractor for these.

  • Tyres, asbestos, meat, fluorescent tubes, BBQ gas cannisters, chemicals or other hazardous waste - the vehicle is not licensed to carry this waste.

  • American style fridge/freezers and any item that is too large and too heavy for two operatives to lift.

  • Items that are too big or heavy for two people to move and lift safely into a vehicle. This includes items that become too heavy after being left out in the rain, such as mattresses, carpets and sofas. Keep items like this as dry as possible any fabric items should be covered up.

Can I use this service for DIY waste?

We cannot collect or remove waste generated from home improvements. If you have carried out the improvements yourself then it is advisable to hire a skip or to take your waste to your nearest recycling centre. You may be charged for this service as it is classified as industrial waste.

If a contractor has carried out this work and you have asked them to dispose of the waste, it is your responsibility to know where the contractor is sending your waste and that they are operating legally. For more information on your duty as the producer of the waste visit https://www.gov.uk/topic/environmental-management/waste

Where else can I take large items?

You can take household bulky waste to your nearest reuse and recycling centre. Our site is called Space Waye Reuse and Recycling Centre, although you may use a neighbouring council centre if it is more convenient for you. Please do check in advance the entry requirements for non-residents using these sites.

Are there local reusable furniture and household electrical appliance services?

Yes, the Hounslow Furniture Recycling Project will collect furniture in good condition and household electrical appliances in working order for a small charge starting at £10 for up to 5 items. The items collected are then made available to residents of the London Borough of Hounslow on low incomes to purchase at low prices from their showroom. If you have any items that you would like to be collected by the Hounslow Furniture Recycling Project, please contact them directly on 020 8814 2225.

Additionally, the Reuse Network will collect good quality white goods and furniture, for more information see here

 

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