Every London borough offers a bulky waste collection service for residents who need large items like furniture, mattresses, and appliances collected from their home. This guide covers how the service works, what it costs, and what to do when the council cannot collect quickly enough.
Cannot Wait for the Council?
We offer same-day bulky waste collection across all 32 London boroughs. No item limits, no kerbside prep – we collect from any room.
How Council Bulky Waste Collection Works
The process is broadly similar across all London boroughs:
- Book online or by phone – Most councils prefer online bookings through their website.
- Choose your items – Select the items you need collected from a list of accepted categories.
- Pay the fee – Costs vary by borough, typically £25–£50 per collection.
- Receive a collection date – Usually 5–14 working days after booking.
- Place items outside – On collection day, leave items at the front of your property by 7am.
The council crew will collect from outside your property only. They will not enter your home, carry items downstairs, or dismantle furniture.
Council Collection Costs Across London Boroughs
Here is a borough-by-borough breakdown of bulky waste collection costs:
£40
Barnet
Up to 5 items per collection
£30
Brent
Up to 5 items per collection
£30
Camden
Up to 5 items per collection
£35
Croydon
Up to 6 items per collection
£35
Ealing
Up to 5 items per collection
£30
Hackney
Up to 5 items per collection
£30
Haringey
Up to 3 items per collection
£35
Hounslow
Up to 5 items per collection
£35
Islington
Up to 5 items per collection
£40
Kensington & Chelsea
Up to 5 items per collection
£25
Lambeth
Up to 3 items per collection
£30
Lewisham
Up to 5 items per collection
£35
Southwark
Up to 5 items per collection
£30
Tower Hamlets
Up to 5 items per collection
£35
Wandsworth
Up to 5 items per collection
£40
Westminster
Up to 5 items per collection
Prices shown are approximate and subject to change. Check your borough council's website for current rates.
What Items Does the Council Collect?
Council bulky waste collections typically accept:
- Sofas, armchairs, and sofa beds
- Beds, mattresses, and bed frames
- Tables, desks, and chairs
- Wardrobes, chests of drawers, and cabinets
- Washing machines, cookers, and fridges
- Carpets and rugs (rolled up)
Items not usually accepted include:
- Builders' rubble, soil, or construction waste
- Hazardous materials (paint, chemicals, asbestos)
- Car parts and tyres
- Clinical or medical waste
- Commercial or business waste
How to Book Your Council Collection
The booking process varies slightly by borough but generally follows these steps:
- Visit your borough council's website and navigate to "Bulky waste" or "Large item collection".
- Enter your address to confirm you are a resident.
- Select items from the available categories.
- Choose a collection date from the available slots.
- Pay the fee online (card payment).
- Receive a confirmation email with your collection date and reference number.
Some boroughs also accept bookings by phone, though wait times for telephone booking can be long.
Tip: Book early in the week for the best availability. Friday and weekend slots fill up fastest.
Common Reasons Council Collections Are Refused
Councils can refuse to collect items on the day. Common reasons include:
- Items not outside – The crew will not knock on your door or enter your home. Items must be at the front boundary of your property.
- Wrong items – If the items do not match what was booked, collection may be refused.
- Too many items – Extra items beyond your booking will be left behind.
- Blocked access – If the crew cannot safely reach the items due to parked cars or obstructions.
- Hazardous items – Anything deemed unsafe (asbestos, chemicals, sharps) will not be taken.
How Long Does Council Collection Take?
Waiting times depend on demand and borough:
- Best case – 5 working days in quieter boroughs during off-peak periods.
- Typical – 7–14 working days for most boroughs.
- Peak periods – January (post-Christmas), summer, and end of university terms can push waits to 3–4 weeks.
If you are moving house, completing a renovation, or simply cannot wait, council timescales may not work for you.
Faster Alternatives to Council Bulky Waste Collection
When the council's waiting time does not suit your schedule, professional removal services offer key advantages:
- Same-day collection – Any London Waste offers same-day collection across all 32 boroughs.
- No item limits – Clear as many items as you need in a single visit.
- Door-to-door service – We collect from any room, including upper floors, lofts, and basements.
- No preparation needed – You do not need to move items outside or dismantle furniture.
- Flexible scheduling – Choose a 2-hour time slot that works for you, 7 days a week.
Prices start from £45 – comparable to council fees but with far more convenience. Get a free quote or call 0800 599 99 96.
Frequently Asked Questions
Council bulky waste collection in London typically costs £25–£50 per booking, covering 3–5 items depending on the borough. Some boroughs offer concessions for residents on benefits. Check your council's website for exact pricing.
No. Council collection crews will only collect items placed at the front boundary of your property. They will not enter your home, carry items downstairs, or dismantle furniture. You must move everything outside yourself.
No. Council collections must be booked in advance and typically require 5–14 working days' notice. For same-day collection, you need a private removal service.
The collection crew will only take the number of items specified in your booking. Any extra items will be left behind and could result in a fly-tipping warning if left on the pavement.
Yes, most London boroughs accept mattresses as part of their bulky waste collection service. A mattress counts as one item in your booking allowance.
If the council cannot offer a timely slot, professional removal services offer same-day collection. Any London Waste covers all 32 London boroughs and can usually collect within a few hours of booking.
