What is bulky waste?

We have resumed the collection of fridge, freezers and other similar cooling equipment. However, we advise you to request that your supplier take your old appliance away when you order a new one.

A maximum of two fridges or freezers (no parts removed) can be requested on each collection.

Sofas must be covered with a waterproof cover to keep them dry. We cannot collect them if they become too wet and heavy to move.

Please note, the way you dispose of some seating items may have changed. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are chemicals found in items, which can cause damage to the environment if they’re not disposed of responsibly. These are mainly a problem in upholstered domestic seating items, including:

• Sofas
• Sofa beds
• Armchairs
• Kitchen and dining room chairs
• Stools and foot stools
• Home office chairs
• Futons
• Bean bags, floor, and sofa cushions

What does this mean for you?

These items only pose a problem when they are being disposed of.

If your items are in good condition and there are no rips, tears or other damage to the fabric, please consider donating them to local charities.

If you are disposing of any of these items at an HWRC, items containing POPs must be disposed of separately from items that do not contain POPs. Staff at HWRCs are happy to help you when you arrive with your items.

If you’ve booked a bulky waste collection for more than one item from Southampton City Council, please note that we may have to send two vehicles to separate items.

For more information on POPs, visit Persistent Organic Pollutants in waste upholstered domestic seating.

Mattresses must be covered with a waterproof cover to keep them dry. We cannot collect them if they become too wet and heavy to move.

There are some items we are unable to collect. These include:

• Items that are too heavy for two people to move and lift safely such as a piano or a shed
• Items that are over three metres in length
• Dangerous waste such as asbestos
• Waste left in your home after building works or repairs
• Laminated floorboards or kitchen worktops
• Window frames, external doors, conservatories
• Fencing, greenhouses, sheds or petrol lawn mowers
• Tyres, gas canisters, car batteries, parts or engines
• Items that still contain their batteries
• Commercial fridges, freezers or cookers
• Commercial grab-bags such as Hippo bags
• Other Hazardous waste

Before booking your bulky waste collection, you will need to know whether your items are large or standard. For the full list of items we will collect and their size classification, see What size is my Bulky Waste item?

If your item is not on either of these lists and to arrange a quote for special collection, please contact our Commercial Waste team.