If you have rubbish or waste which cannot be collected with your household collection service, you must ensure it is disposed of safely and responsibly. There are a number of ways you can get rid of items, for example, you can donate your items or take them to the tip.
Unwanted furniture and other items often end up being thrown away when most of them could have been donated and reused by someone in need.
Donate your items to charity
Did you know you can donate your unwanted furniture and electrical items? Here's a selection of charities that will take your items and some will even collect your items for free:
- Book a free collection from the British Heart Foundation
- Ellenor (formerly Ellenor Lions Hospice)
- West Kent YMCA
- Post your items on Gravesend Freecycle or Freegle.
Anglo Doorstep Collections Service
Anglo Doorstep Collections provide a free doorstep collection service for unwanted clothes, shoes, and household items. The service is completely free, and collections can either be handed directly to the collector or left outside if you’re not at home.
Items they can collect include:
- Clothing, shoes & accessories
- Kitchenware, crockery & cutlery
- Books
- Toys & soft toys
- CDs & DVDs
- Small electricals & gadgets
- Bed sheets, linen & towels
- Antiques & ornaments
Please note: This service is not suitable for large or bulky items such as furniture, mattresses, or bicycles. For these, please book a bulky collection for these items.
Anglo Doorstep Collections successfully re-home around 95% of donations, with the remaining 5% recycled. Approximately 60% of proceeds are then shared with their partner charities, supporting good causes.
Booking your free collection is simple:
- Book your free doorstep collection online
- Pack your donations into bags or boxes ready for collection.
- Label them “Anglo Doorstep Collections” and leave them outside, or track the collector and hand items over directly.
- Your donations are then rehomed or responsibly recycled.
Repair your items
Have you considered having your item repaired?
Repair cafés have become increasingly popular in recent years as people aim to make-do-and-mend amid rising living costs and a greater focus on sustainability.
Volunteers at the Gravesham Repair Café may be able to help to repair your item, extending the life of your item, reducing waste and minimising disposal costs.
Pepperhill tip
You can take your unwanted items to the Pepperhill Household Waste and Recycling Centre run by Kent County Council (KCC).
You can visit their website to see what items you can take to the tip. You will need to book a slot online via KCC website before you visit.
Paying someone to take your rubbish away
It is your duty to ensure rubbish and waste is disposed of safely and responsibly.
Before you allow anyone to remove your rubbish or waste, you must ensure they that they are registered as a Waste Carrier with the Environment Agency.
Do not use unlicensed waste collection services. Be especially careful of those that advertise on social media for cheap prices. Some may be legitimate businesses, but others are not.
Never advertise on social media for a waste carrier. Many responses will be from illegitimate carriers and result in your rubbish being fly-tipped. Always research the company or individual you use and do not rely on positive feedback, as this may be false.
If you use an unlicensed waste removal service you commit a criminal offence and you could face a £400 fine or be prosecuted at Criminal Court, where you could receive an unlimited fine and a criminal record.
Pay for a bulky waste collection
We can take away large items, like white goods or furniture, for a fee.