Arranging collection or recycling of bulky household items
If you are a householder, your council must provide a collection service for bulky items. Some councils charge for this service.
It is free to bring your household appliance to a local recycling centre for recycling, recovery or disposal.
Before you ask for collection or bring the item to the recycling centre, make sure you clean or empty any contents.
Authorised waste collection
If you give your waste to someone else for disposal, you must make sure they are authorised to take it. You must only give waste to:
- local council waste services
- council-authorised waste contractor
- licensed private waste operator
- registered waste carrier
Donating appliances to charities
Some local traders or charities may accept appliances in good working order.
If a local trader offers to collect and dispose of your appliance, you must check they will dispose of it legally.
Flytipping
Fly-tipping is illegal. Dumped refrigerators and freezers are hazardous to children or pets who may be harmed or become trapped inside.
Report waste crime
It is a criminal offence to dump or burn waste where it's not allowed, or allow others to this.
Waste crime:
- harms the environment
- creates a human health hazard
- detracts from an area
If you notice or suspect waste crime, you can report this.