Wandsworth Bulky Waste Collections Are No Longer Free: What the New Charges Mean

Wandsworth Borough Council has ended free bulky waste collections across the borough. In its updated guidance on wandsworth.gov.uk, dated 29 October 2026, the council confirms that the free service many households used to book for large items is no longer available.

That does not mean bulky items cannot be collected. It means every council bulky collection is now charged, and the way you book has changed. We hear from residents around Wandsworth Common, Earlsfield and Southfields who only discover the change when they try to arrange a pick-up, so it is worth understanding the new rules before you plan a clear-out.

According to the council, a standard bulky collection covers up to four items for £24.90. Each additional item after that is charged at £11.10.

The council also treats three standard-size refuse sacks as one bulky item. That detail matters, because it means the £24.90 minimum can cover up to twelve sacks when you present them as bagged waste rather than as separate items.

Moving from a free service to a charged one changes how it makes sense to plan a clear-out. Rather than booking several small pick-ups, it is usually cheaper to gather everything into a single booking and to use bags where the council allows it.

It also makes the council's presentation rules more important, because a collection that cannot be carried out still costs you the time of rebooking. Items need to be at street level and reachable by the crew on the day.

Our team offers an alternative to waiting for a charged council slot. We collect bulky items directly from inside your home, including from upstairs rooms and awkward spots the council will not enter, and we take the load away the same day.

Because we handle the lifting and the loading, you do not have to leave anything on the pavement or worry about whether an item will fit a collection vehicle.

If you decide to use the council service, a little preparation avoids wasted bookings.