Getting rid of old furniture in London is not always straightforward. Council collections have long waiting times, recycling centres require advance booking, and most charity shops will only accept items in good condition. If you have a worn-out sofa, a broken bed frame, or a room full of unwanted furniture, you need to know your options – and which one actually suits your situation.
Need Furniture Collected Today?
Skip the wait. Any London Waste offers same-day furniture removal across all 32 London boroughs. Our teams collect from any room – no heavy lifting required on your part.
Council Bulky Waste Collections
Every London borough offers a bulky waste collection service, but the details vary considerably. Most councils charge between £25 and £50 per collection of up to five items, and you will typically wait 5–14 working days for a slot.
Key points to consider:
- Cost – Prices differ by borough. Some councils offer concessions for residents on benefits.
- Waiting time – Most boroughs require at least a week's notice, and peak periods can push waits to three weeks or more.
- Item limits – Collections are usually capped at 3–5 items per booking.
- Preparation – You must move items to the front of your property or an agreed collection point. The crew will not enter your home.
Council collections work well if you are not in a hurry and have only a few items. For larger clearances or time-sensitive situations, a same-day removal service is usually a better fit.
Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) in London
London has a network of Household Waste Recycling Centres – commonly called "the tip" or "the dump" – where residents can drop off bulky items free of charge. Major sites include:
- Western Riverside (Wandsworth) – one of the busiest centres in south-west London.
- Smugglers Way (Wandsworth) – handles household waste and recyclables.
- Hornsey Street (Islington) – popular with north London residents.
- Barrowell Green (Haringey) – accepts furniture, mattresses, and appliances.
- Townmead Road (Richmond) – large site with separate areas for reusable items.
Before you visit, be aware of the following:
- Booking – Most London HWRCs now require an online booking. Slots fill quickly at weekends.
- Vehicle restrictions – Vans and large vehicles may need a separate permit. Some sites ban trailers entirely.
- Proof of address – You must prove you are a resident of the relevant borough.
- Disassembly – Large furniture may need to be broken down to fit in your vehicle.
HWRCs are a good free option if you have a suitable vehicle and can manage the heavy lifting yourself. If not, a professional furniture removal service saves time and effort.
Donating Furniture to Charity
If your furniture is still in usable condition, donating it keeps items out of landfill and helps people in need. Several charities operate collection services across London:
- British Heart Foundation – Collects sofas, beds, tables, and wardrobes in good condition. Free collection with online booking.
- Emmaus – Accepts a wide range of furniture and operates shops across London.
- The Salvation Army – Runs collection services for larger items, though availability varies by area.
- TRAID – Focuses on textiles and clothing but some branches accept small furniture.
There are important conditions to keep in mind:
- Items must be clean, structurally sound, and free of stains, rips, or pet damage.
- Upholstered furniture must have a fire safety label attached.
- Charities can refuse items on collection day if they do not meet standards.
- Wait times for charity collections can be 1–3 weeks.
Donation is ideal for quality furniture you no longer need. For items that are damaged or beyond reuse, professional disposal is the responsible choice.
Selling or Giving Away Furniture Online
Online platforms let you pass furniture to someone who wants it, often for free. This is particularly popular in London, where demand for second-hand furniture is high.
- Facebook Marketplace – The largest platform for local sales. Listing as "free" usually generates responses within hours.
- Gumtree – Well-established in the UK for second-hand goods.
- Freecycle / Freegle – Community networks where everything is given away for free.
- Nextdoor – Neighbourhood-based, good for arranging local pickups.
Things to consider:
- You will need to be available for viewings and collection.
- Buyers sometimes fail to turn up, leaving you back at square one.
- Large items like sofas and wardrobes can sit listed for weeks if they are not in demand.
Selling or giving away furniture works best when you have time and the items are still desirable. If you need furniture gone quickly, a same-day collection removes the uncertainty.
Professional Furniture Removal Services
If you want old furniture collected from inside your home with no heavy lifting on your part, a professional removal service is the most convenient option. Here is what to expect:
- Same-day collection – Unlike councils and charities, professional services can often collect within hours. Any London Waste offers same-day removal across all 32 London boroughs.
- No item limits – Whether it is a single armchair or an entire house clearance, there are no restrictions on volume.
- Door-to-door service – Our team collects items from any room, including upper floors, lofts, and basements.
- Licensed waste carriers – We hold a full Environment Agency waste carrier licence, so your furniture is disposed of legally and responsibly.
- Recycling commitment – We divert over 99% of collected waste from landfill through recycling and donation partnerships.
Pricing is based on volume, starting from £45 for a small load. Get a free quote online or call us on 0800 599 99 96 to arrange collection at a time that suits you.
What You Cannot Dump at London Tips
London recycling centres have restrictions on what they accept. The following items are commonly refused or require special handling:
- Mattresses with bedbugs – Some HWRCs will refuse infested items. Professional disposal services can handle these safely.
- Gas-lift office chairs – The gas cylinder must be discharged before disposal at some sites.
- Treated or painted wood – Cannot go in the general wood recycling skip; must be separated.
- Asbestos-containing materials – Requires specialist disposal. Never place in general waste.
- Commercial waste – HWRCs are for household waste only. Businesses must use licensed waste carriers.
If you are unsure whether an item is accepted, contact the recycling centre before visiting. Alternatively, get in touch with us and we will advise on the best disposal route for any item.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Rid of Old Furniture in London?
Costs vary depending on the method you choose. Here is a comparison to help you decide:
£25–£50
Council bulky waste
- Same day available
- We do everything
When you factor in time, effort, and convenience, professional removal is often the most cost-effective solution – especially for multiple items or situations where you cannot wait. View our full pricing or request a free quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Leaving furniture on the pavement is classed as fly-tipping and can result in a fixed penalty notice of up to £400, or prosecution with fines up to £50,000. Always use an authorised disposal method such as a council collection, recycling centre, or licensed waste carrier like Any London Waste.
Most London councils let you book online through their website. You will need to provide your address, select the items for collection, and pay the fee (typically £25–£50). A collection date is usually offered 5–14 working days after booking. Check your borough council's website for specific instructions and pricing.
Yes. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, most London HWRCs require advance booking through your local council's website. Slots are free but can fill up quickly, especially at weekends. You will also need proof of address for the relevant borough.
Yes. We offer same-day furniture collection across all 32 London boroughs. Simply call us on 0800 599 99 96 or submit a request through our online form, and we can usually arrange collection within a few hours.
We sort all collected items at our facility. Furniture in good condition is passed to reuse and charity partners. The remainder is broken down and recycled – we divert over 99% of waste from landfill. You will receive a waste transfer note as proof of legal, responsible disposal.
Yes. Our two-person teams collect furniture from any room in your property, including upper floors, lofts, basements, and attics. There is no need to move anything yourself – we handle all the heavy lifting.
