For more information, please contact Environmental Services:

Telephone: 01638 719284
Email: es@forest-heath.gov.uk

The council operates a separate collection service for bulky household waste that will not fit in the wheeled bin.

Frequently asked questions

How can I dispose of large household items?

If you have a large item, such as a piece of furniture or a fridge, which you wish to dispose of, we offer a bulky household refuse removal service. We charge a fee for this service (£20 for up to five items). There is no charge if you are currently in receipt of Council Tax Benefit or Housing Benefit.

If any of these items are good enough to be reused, you can also contact Newmarket Open Door. Newmarket Open Door have a donation box for small items at the reception of the council offices at College Heath Road, Mildenhall. For a list of what you can donate please visit their website.

How can I request this service?

Requests can be made by contacting Environmental Services on 01638 719284.

When will you collect?

After receipt of payment or confirmation of a benefit claim, household items will be collected on the following refuse collection day or on a day nominated by the customer when the order is placed.

What will you collect?

We will collect a maximum of five household items such as a three-piece suite (which is classed as three items), carpets, chairs, bed, mattress, etc. The general rule is, if you would take it with you when you move house, it is likely to be suitable for this service.

Please note the following before requesting the service:

• One carpet must be manageable by two people, otherwise cut into pieces, rolled and tied.
• Carpet does not include underlay. This is a separate item.
• One wardrobe does not mean a full bedroom suite.
• Items should not be filled with other rubbish.
• Items must be easily accessible and at one point, outside the property.
• If two identical items are found on site but only one is stated in the request for collection, NONE of the items in question will be taken.
• Only items listed will be removed, any additions must be done on a separate request.

What won't you collect?

• General builders waste
• Gas bottles
• Sheds
• Greenhouses
• Bags of rubble
• Fence panels
• Concrete posts
• Car/motorbike parts
• Garage doors/window frames
• Christmas trees
• Garden waste, for example trees
• Asbestos
• Fluid containers, for example drums
• Large gates
• Wire fencing and large fire surrounds
• Doors - internal or external

How can I dispose of other items?

You can take your household rubbish or items to a household waste and recycling centre.  For further information click here.

Further information and advice

If you wish to...

• Make a complaint about the service provided
• Arrange a collection
• Find out further information
• Check the status of your current collection arrangements

... please contact Environmental Services as above.

Additional information about bulk refuse is available from the following website(s):

DEFRA