Other ways to get rid of bulky items

Before you throw away an item that's still usable, why not consider donating it to a charity who can ensure it reaches someone who needs it - from a functioning fridge, through to an old sofa. 

Visit a local household recycling centre

If you can transport your items, visit one of our household recycling centres (or tips), where you can recycle bulky items including turf and soil, bricks and rubble, fridges and freezers, car batteries and more.

Visit the Staffordshire Waste Partnership site to find your nearest household recycling centre.

Retailer recycling schemes

If you are buying new white goods (such as fridges and freezers, or even large items of furniture) speak to your new supplier and see if they can remove your old item.

Sometimes this will be offered free of charge and other times they may charge a small fee.

Use a private licenced waste contractor

You can also get rid of waste with a private licenced waste contractor by carrying out a google search. 

Remember to make sure that your carrier is licenced to protect yourself.

This is because everybody who produces household waste has a duty of care to ensure it is disposed of responsibly. This duty means you have to take reasonable measures to ensure that you only give your waste to someone who is authorised to take it.

If an unauthorised person takes your waste, and it is fly-tipped and traced back to you, you will be asked to provide evidence to the police or the council where the waste is found that you appointed a licenced carrier. If you cannot provide this information, you run the risk of a £5,000 fine and a criminal record.

Before booking, we would encourage you ask to see your chosen contractor's waste carrier's licence, which they should be happy to do. You can also check whether a company has a waste carrier's licence on the Environment Agency website.

A licence last for three years from the date of issue, but can be revoked if the carrier is convicted of an offence like fly tipping.

Recycle your items

Visit our A-Z of recycling points to find out where else you can recycle items locally.