Harrogate Borough Council

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Bulky Waste Items

The Council offers a chargeable collection service for bulky items of furniture from domestic properties. We can collect a maximum of two bulky domestic articles at a time such as a bed or cooker . We can also collect Fridges and Freezers.

The items are usually collected by the refuse collectors on your normal refuse collection day. However, there will be no bulky item collections during  Bank Holiday weeks. All items must be left outside and be easily accessible for collection.

How much will this service cost me?

This service is chargeable. The current cost is £20.00 for up to two items. However, if you are in receipt of certain benefits, the service is free. (The Council may undertake a check to confirm that you are in receipt of qualifying benefits).

How do I arrange collection?

Please telephone 0845 300 6091

You may pay for this service using a credit or debit card when you telephone.  

If you are in receipt of benefits our customer service advisors will let you know if you qualify for a free collection.

Please note we cannot take:

• Fixtures and fittings e.g. bathroom suites, radiators, doors etc. It is the responsibility of the contractors to remove all debris arising from decorating, building repair and maintenance works.
• Garden refuse, equipment, rubble, soil, garden furniture, barbeques.
• Carpets, underlay.
• Articles containing glass, e.g. televisions, mirrors etc.
• Fridges/freezers - these are collected by a recycling sub-contractor, and as such are covered by another service. Please visit our fridges and freezers page for more information.

Is there an alternative?

Yes, if the items are in reasonable condition, you could consider donating them to Essential Needs Furniture Recycling who operate a re-use scheme.

They can collect items directly and can be contacted on 01423 870040 or email martin@essentialneeds.org.uk  (see:Essential Needs Harrogate).

Or you can visit freecycle.org for further information on recycling unwanted items.

Alternatively, you may take your unwanted bulky items to the local tip

All waste carriers need to be registered with the Environment Agency.  As a Local Authority we are exempt but we are authorised to take waste. However, if you use a private contractor, check on the Environment Agency website to ensure that they can legally collect your waste.

Policy on Collection of Bulky Items and Refrigeration Units

The following is Harrogate Borough Councils policy on collection of bulky items and fridges and freezers from domestic properties.

1. What Will be Collected.

• We will collect up to two household bulky items in one collection.
• We will collect up to two refrigeration units in one collection.
• We are not able to remove fixtures and fittings, carpets or underlay, garden refuse, equipment, rubble, soil, garden furniture, barbecues or items containing glass.
• The service is chargeable unless the customer is in receipt of certain benefits. If the customer is entitled to a free service they may have up to three collections in any given year (April to March);any collections over or above this will be charged at the normal rate.

2. How the Collection Works

• We will encourage the customer to find a sustainable alternative before resorting to a bulky collection.
• If items are suitable for Essential Needs the customer will be given their contact details and advised to contact them.
• If the items are not suitable for Essential Needs the customer should be advised if they are able to transport the item to their local amenity site themselves this will be accepted free of charge.
• If the above options for disposal are not suitable we will request the customer to fill out the relevant form and return with payment (unless in receipt of certain benefits) to Harrogate Borough Council.
• Bulky items will be collected within ten working days (excluding bank holidays).
• Refrigeration units will be collected the following week as long as your request is received by Thursday.

All items to be collected must be left outside and be easily accessible. The Council or contractors working on their behalf are not able to enter property including garages and outbuildings to collect items unless the resident is disabled (support will be provided in these instances).