Bulky waste frequently asked questions

Who is eligible for free bulky waste collections?
The free bulky waste service is open to Sunderland residents for residential properties only.

Who is not eligible for free bulky waste collections?
Any commercial customers and properties.

If bulky waste requests are subject to availability can the council guarantee I will receive a free collection?
No, we have capacity to complete approximately 38,000 collections per financial year on a first come basis.

How do I book for a bulky waste collection?
We have a ward-based collection service for the bulky waste collection service. This means each ward in the city has an allocated collection day for bulky waste items. This system improves the service collection times for residents, improves service efficiencies and has a positive environmental impact through reducing our carbon footprint by reducing travelling times for vehicles. You can book online at www.sunderland.gov.uk/bulky-waste.

How long will it be from time of booking to my items being collected?
There isn't a specific time. The time from booking to collection will depend on the demand at the time of booking.

When and where do I place my bulky waste in preparation for it being collected?
Please present your items for collection from 7.30am on the day of collection at the nearest vehicle access point. On the day of collection, your items will be collected between 7.30am and 5pm. Please help us by placing the items for collection on your property as close as possible to where the collection vehicle will park to collect them. You must make sure that our collection team can access your property to remove the waste items.

The collection team will only remove the items stated on your request. We want to make sure that we only take what you want us to. If there are items not listed on your request, we may take photos to support any queries about your collection.

What happens if I forget to put the items out on the day they are due to be collected?
Unfortunately, you will lose your collection slot, and you will need to book another collection.

Can I amend my items before a collection has been made?
Yes, you can amend the items up to midnight the working day before your collection if you booked this online. If you booked this over the phone, you can amend the items up to 5pm the working day before your collection, by calling call 0191 520 5550. Lines are open between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Can I cancel a collection once it's been made?
Yes, you can cancel the collection up to midnight the working day before your collection if you booked this online. If you booked this over the phone, you can cancel the collection up to 5pm the working day before your collection, by calling call 0191 520 5550. Lines are open between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

What items are classed as bulky waste and will be collected as part of this service?
Any household items that can be safely lifted by the crew. Bagged items need to be able to be lifted by one person and without causing them an injury. Bags of bricks/rubble/soil should only be partially filled so they aren't too heavy to lift.

What items will NOT be collected as part of the bulky waste service and where can I take these items?

Hazardous waste - including asbestos, waste oils, fuels, solvents, gas cylinders, and fluorescent tubes.
- Asbestos must be removed by a licensed contractor. You can find one using the Local hazardous waste disposal service.
Other hazardous items should be taken to our Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) at Pallion or Gateshead or collected by a legally registered waste carrier.
Heavy or oversized bags - such as dumpy bags or any bag over 25kg.
Contaminated items - including soaked items or affected surrounding areas.
Blue pallets - only two standard pallets can be collected. For more, contact the supplier or take them to the HWRC.
Major renovation waste - from conversions, landscaping, or large DIY projects, including builder/contractor waste. Please take this to the HWRC or arrange a collection with a legally registered waste carrier.
Landlord clearances - for large removals, contact our Commercial Trade Waste team.

What do I do if I have more than six items that need collecting?
The maximum number of items that we can collect per booking and collection is six. If you have more than six items, then there are several alternative options:

Make a booking for another bulky waste collection.
If items are in good condition, you could donate them to charity, some of which may be able to come and collect them from your home.
You can use the Household Waste and Recycling Centres which are free to use and open 364 days per year
You can arrange and pay for a legally registered waste carrier to collect your items.

How do I arrange for large and bulky items to be collected by private companies if I am prepared to pay for this?
There are several options, depending on what the items are and the condition they are in:

If items are in good condition, you could donate them to charity, some of which may be able to come and collect them from your home.
Most waste items can be taken to our Household Waste and Recycling Centres.
If you are replacing a larger item, such as a fridge or sofa, some companies offer take back schemes, please check with your supplier.
You can arrange and pay for a legally registered waste carrier to collect your items. A list of these can be found at Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers website.
Asbestos needs to be removed by a registered asbestos removal company (when using the link to search, select 'England' as the country, and 'Tyne and Wear' as the county).

What is My Account?
To access the Waste and Recycling services online you will need a council 'My Account'. If you already have an account, please sign in as usual. If you need to create an account, all you need is an email address. You will be emailed a verification code that needs to be entered onto the screen, this will then enable you to complete the setup of your account.