Households in Hounslow that pay Council Tax can now book one free bulky-waste collection a year for up to five eligible items. The free offer began on 2 November.
The offer is for eligible items from a residential property. The allowance is per household, not per person, so people sharing a home do not each receive a separate free collection.
It covers large household items that cannot go out with the regular waste collection. The council says the scheme is intended for items that cannot be donated, reused or taken to a Pop Up Tips event or the Space Waye reuse and recycling centre.
What can be collected
Eligible items include furniture such as sofas and mattresses, bicycles, computers and televisions. Washing machines and other permitted white goods can also be collected, although fridges and freezers are currently excluded from the council collection.
Cooking oil can be included if it is in a sealed container, up to a limit of 25 litres. Residents must list every item when booking: the collection crew cannot take items that were not included in the request.
Strong, clear bags can also be included. Three bags count as one bulky item, and each must be securely tied and weigh no more than 10kg. Bags must not contain household rubbish, hazardous waste or unwrapped sharp objects.
There are restrictions on the size and condition of what can be taken. Items must be no wider than 180cm and weigh no more than 45kg. Items larger than 183cm in height or length are also excluded. They should be clean and dry where possible; items affected by mould, heavy water damage, pests or bed bugs cannot be collected.
Mattresses should be covered, especially if stained. Where possible, a mattress larger than a double should be folded or cut in half and securely tied. The heavy metal mechanism must be removed from a recliner chair before it is collected.
The service does not take garden waste or trees, hazardous materials, commercial waste, or debris from building and renovation work. Residents with items outside the collection rules will need to use another appropriate disposal route.
Booking and collection
Bookings are currently made by telephone on 020 8583 5555, selecting option 1. Residents can choose a preferred available collection day and agree a collection point when they book. An online booking form is in development.
There is also a call-back request form, but completing it is not itself a booking. It does not reserve a slot, confirm whether items are eligible or provide a collection date. The council will make up to two attempts to call back.
Collections take place from Monday to Friday between 7am and 3pm. Listed items must be at the agreed collection point by 7am on the collection day and should be placed as close to the edge of the property as possible.
For flats, the council collects only from a communal area. Residents must seek permission from their landlord or managing agent before leaving items there. Items that are not visible, are left somewhere other than the agreed point, or cannot be moved safely may be left behind.
Charges and other options
After a household has used its annual free collection, standard household charges apply unless an eligible reduction applies. The listed standard rate is £41 for up to five items, with £8.20 for each additional item. Separate listed charges for landlords are £72 for up to five items and £14.40 for each additional item.
Some residents receiving Council Tax Reduction may qualify for a reduced rate of £15 for up to five items, plus £3 for each additional item. A single-person discount or disability band relief on its own does not qualify. A six-digit Council Tax Reduction reference number is needed when booking at the reduced rate.
It is not clear whether the yearly free allowance resets at the start of a calendar year or runs for 12 months from a collection. Residents who need to know when they can next use it should check when booking. Anyone wanting more than five items collected on a free visit should also check whether an extra charge applies.
Items that are still in good condition can be sold, donated or given away. Residents can also take up to six items per household to a Pop Up Tips event for repair, recycling or disposal. The Repair Café has a separate limit of one item from each eligible category.
Official guidance on Space Waye’s booking days is inconsistent. Before travelling, check with the council whether the items will be accepted, whether a booking is needed and what documentation to bring. Do not assume that fridges or freezers can be taken there.
