Large and bulky item collections

Large and bulky household items can be taken to a recycling centre in Suffolk.

If appropriate, you may want to consider donating the items to a charity shop, or give them away for free.

Alternatively, we can collect and dispose of the items for you via our bulky item collection service.

For the collection of bulky items from a business or other non-domestic location, please visit our business waste webpage instead to find out how we can help.

Our bulky item collection service

For a one-off cost of £59.50, we can collect up to five separate items. Or, up to ten bin bags of household refuse (general rubbish) and/or garden waste.

Please note that this is a set price, and there are no reductions available. 

Service terms and conditions

1. The bulky item collection service is for households in the Babergh and Mid Suffolk districts only.
2. We do not offer a house clearance service.
3. Items must be easily accessible and placed where there is street access by 6.30am on the collection date. We will not be able to provide you with a specific collection time.
4. We cannot enter properties, garages, sheds, or back gardens to collect items. We also cannot bring items up or down steps/stairs.
5. Items such as climbing frames, swings and trampolines must be dismantled before collection. (They will be classed as one item).
6. Carpet and underlay count as two separate items.
7. Items must be empty. For example, fridges must not contain food and wardrobes must be cleared of clothes.
8. Any items containing glass must be securely wrapped.
9. Bookings, changes and cancellations must be made by midday on the working day before the scheduled collection date.

Items we can collect include:

• beds and mattresses
• cookers (with the exception of range cookers)
• electrical items, such as TVs, monitors and computers
• fridges and freezers (with the exception of American style fridge-freezers and items containing ammonia)
• furniture
• sofas and armchairs
• tables and chairs
• washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers

Items we cannot collect include:

• DIY and builders waste, such as hardcore, plasterboard, rubble and soil. These items can be disposed of at a recycling centre in Suffolk
• fixtures and fittings, including doors, baths, showers, toilets and basins
• fridges or freezers that contain ammonia
• hazardous waste or asbestos – visit our hazardous waste and asbestos webpage
• very large or heavy items, such as American style fridge-freezers, pianos and range cookers
• waste in large/builders sacks  

If you want to check whether we can collect an item before making a booking, please email Waste Services.

Items containing persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

In 2023, legislation was introduced which affects the collection and disposal of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This is to help protect those collecting and disposing of the items.

This means that if an item is ripped or damaged and contains (or made of) any of the following materials: 

• foam
• leather
• synthetic leather
• other fabric

then it must be taped, wrapped, or bagged up.  We will not be able to collect it otherwise.

Examples of items where this would apply include:

• cushioning and beanbags
• office style chairs with soft padding
• sofas, armchairs, sofa beds and futons
• stools, poufs and ottomans
• upholstered furniture

For example, if a sofa is torn and the foam padding is exposed, then the tear would need to be taped over. Or, if a cushion has ripped open, then it would need to be contained in a bag.

Where are the items taken?

Electrical items are taken to a specialist Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) company to be recycled.

Other items, such as furniture, are taken to the Energy from Waste Facility in Great Blakenham. At the facility, waste is burned at high temperatures and used to generate electricity for over 40,000 homes.

Book your collection

Change your bulky item collection

If you need to make a change to - or cancel - an existing booked collection, please email Waste Services.

Any changes or cancellations must be made by midday on the working day before the scheduled collection date.

What we do with your information

If you would like to know how our Waste Services team use any personal information you provide us, please read our privacy notice.