Dumped bulky waste

Dumped furniture and other large household items are a common form of fly-tipping. Find out how to dispose of bulky waste correctly, book a collection, and avoid fines for leaving items on public land.

Dumped furniture and large household items are one of the most common fly-tipping problems in our city. Even one sofa, mattress or chair left on a street is a fly-tipping offence.

What counts as bulky waste?

  • Sofas and armchairs
  • Mattresses
  • Wardrobes, tables, drawers
  • Carpets and flooring left outside
  • Any large household item left on pavements or by bins

Why it matters

  • Bulky items block pavements and create hazards
  • They attract more dumping
  • They make neighbourhoods look unsafe and uncared for

What to do instead

  • Book a bulky waste collection with the council 
  • Take items to a Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC)
  • Use a licensed reuse charity (e.g. British Heart Foundation, Reuse Network) 
  • Offer items on approved reuse sites but keep them on your own property

Important

Leaving bulky items outside with a “FREE” sign or putting them at the end of your drive on public land, is still fly-tipping and can lead to a fine.