Moving house waste disposal guide: bulky items, mixed rubbish, done properly

Moving house is a lot. And somehow, the “stuff to throw away” multiplies overnight. Old furniture you do not want to take, bags of mixed rubbish from cupboards, and random bits from the shed you forgot existed.

This guide will help you sort moving house waste in a calm, simple way, so it’s handled safely, legally, and with less stress on the day.

One important note for UK householders: you have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to make sure your household waste is only passed to an authorised person. That’s part of the UK’s approach to reducing fly-tipping and illegal disposal.

If you are moving in the next 48 to 72 hours, start by separating your waste now. It will save time, reduce stress, and avoid last minute disposal issues.

What counts as bulky waste when you move?

Bulky waste is anything too big or awkward for normal household bins. Typical examples include:

• Sofas and armchairs
• Mattresses
• Wardrobes, tables, drawers
• Carpets and underlay
• Bagged garden waste
• White goods like fridges and washing machines

If you are unsure whether something is bulky or hazardous, treat it as a separate item and ask before collection. It saves a lot of last-minute re-sorting.

The simple rule: separate the “risky” stuff first

Most disposal issues happen when everything is thrown into one mixed pile. A quick sort upfront makes everything smoother.

General bulky household items (non-electrical)

These can usually go together, as long as they’re dry and easy to handle.

Examples:

• Wooden furniture (no upholstery)
• Bed frames
• Shelving, cupboards, doors
• Bagged general rubbish that does not contain electricals, batteries, or chemicals

Friendly tip: if you can keep items dry (especially soft furnishings and cardboard), you’re doing future-you a favour. Wet waste is harder to recycle.

Electrical items (anything with a plug, cable or built-in electronics)

Electrical waste should be separated from general waste when you dispose of electrical items, as it is covered by WEEE regulations and must follow the correct recycling route.

Examples:

• TVs and monitors
• Microwaves
• Hoovers
• Lamps
• Fridges, freezers, washing machines

If you are using a Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC), there is typically a dedicated area for electricals.

Loose batteries and vapes

Loose batteries are a common cause of fires in the waste system, so they should be recycled separately, not put in mixed rubbish. If the battery cannot be removed, treat the whole item as electrical waste.

Quick do’s:

• Keep loose batteries together in a small container (not loose in a bin bag)
• Keep them away from metal items like screws or tools

Tip: If you’ve got a mix of bulky items and bagged rubbish, you’ll usually save time by booking one collection that can confirm what they can and cannot take. Litta can help with that if you want an easy option.

Paint, chemicals, oils, gas canisters

These often need separate handling. Do not put them into mixed rubbish unless the collector has confirmed they accept them.

Common “moving house” culprits:

• Half-used paint tins
• Cleaning chemicals
• Motor oil and car fluids
• BBQ or camping gas canisters

If you are not sure, check your local council or HWRC guidance, as rules can vary by area.

Upholstered furniture and POPs: what you need to know

Some upholstered domestic seating may contain persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and there are specific rules about how this waste should be handled. This includes many sofas and armchairs, especially older ones.

What to do:

• Keep upholstered seating separate from other waste where possible
• Do not cut it up or shred it yourself
• Ask whoever is collecting it how they handle upholstered seating and where it will go

How to check you are using an authorised waste carrier

This is the most important “do it once and you’re covered” step.

A simple 3-step check

1. Ask for their waste carrier registration number
2. Check it on the official public register for Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers
3. Keep a basic record (even a note on your phone): who collected it, the date, and what was taken

The legal basis is the household waste duty of care under Section 34 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.

If you want extra clarity on what “reasonable steps” looks like in practice, the UK government also publishes a duty of care code of practice.

Friendly tip: a screenshot of the register search result plus a booking confirmation is usually plenty for your own records.

Want to keep this simple? With Litta, you can ask for our waste carrier registration number upfront and keep a clear record of your collection for peace of mind.

Quick moving house waste checklist (use the day before)

• Separate electricals from general waste
• Remove loose batteries and keep them separate for recycling
• Keep upholstered seating separate and do not break it up
• Check the collector is registered on the public register
• Take a quick photo of the waste set out (handy for your own records)

What to do next

Depending on how much you’re clearing, you usually have three routes:

• Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC): great for separating electricals and recycling streams
• Council bulky waste collection: handy for a few large items
• A registered waste carrier collection: useful when you have a mix of bulky items and bagged rubbish 

Whichever route you pick, the same golden rules apply: separate the risky stuff and check the waste carrier.

Need a hand? You can book a collection with Litta if you want the waste cleared without multiple trips.

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FAQ

Do I need paperwork as a householder?

You are expected to take reasonable steps to ensure your waste is transferred only to an authorised person. Keeping a simple record of who collected it and when is a sensible way to evidence that.

How do I check a waste carrier is registered?

Use the official public register for Waste Carriers, Brokers and Dealers.

Can I put electrical items in a general waste pile?

Electricals should be separated and handled through the correct WEEE route. 

Have a question that’s not covered here? Visit our FAQs here or contact our team via phone (0800 011 9492), email (hi@litta.co.uk) or WhatsApp.