Waste Removal FAQs

Looking for clear answers before you book waste removal in Croydon? You’re in the right place. Below we’ve covered the most common waste removal FAQs from homeowners, landlords, and businesses across the CR area. If you can’t find what you need, our team at Waste Removal Croydon is happy to help.

For a fast response, call 020 4634 1577 or email [email protected].

Booking and access info

How soon can rubbish be collected?

We offer flexible scheduling with same-day or next-day availability where possible. Dispatch depends on your location, item types, and how busy the schedule is. If it’s urgent, let us know and we’ll confirm the earliest window we can offer.

• Quick tip: Sharing photos and a rough list of items speeds things up. You can do that via our get a quote form.

What access is needed for collection?

Safe, clear access to the items is essential. Let us know about stairs, lifts, narrow hallways, or restricted driveways. If there’s controlled parking or permits required, please flag this when booking so we can plan accordingly.

• If access is tight, we may need to use smaller vehicles or extra labour. Mention any height restrictions, key safes, or concierge details in advance.

Can you collect if I’m not at the property?

Yes, as long as we can access the waste safely. We’ll need clear instructions (e.g., key collection, codes, or a neighbour with access). We can also call on arrival and share before/after photos. Full payment is required once the job is completed.

What if there’s no parking outside?

We work with the parking you have available. If pay-and-display or visitor permits are needed, please arrange them where possible. If parking is a long walk from the waste, we’ll still collect but it can affect labour time.

For more on our process, see how it works.

Rubbish collection questions

Do you take fridges and freezers?

Yes. Fridges and freezers can be collected and disposed of responsibly. As they contain refrigerants and require specialist processing, they’re classed as WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) and may carry a handling and recycling surcharge. Please defrost and empty before collection.

You can also explore our dedicated appliance removal service.

Do you recycle the waste?

We prioritise reuse and recycling wherever practical. Items are sorted for donation, recycling, or responsible disposal depending on condition and material type. We always use licensed facilities. The exact recycling rate varies by load composition and facility availability.

What we can’t take

While we remove most household and commercial waste, there are some exclusions due to licensing and safety:

• Asbestos or suspected asbestos
• Clinical or biohazard waste
• Pressurised gas cylinders (unless pre-agreed)
• Loose liquids (e.g., paint, chemicals, oils)
• Explosives, flares, fireworks
• Hazardous chemicals and solvents

If you’re unsure, contact us with details or photos. In many cases we can advise on safe alternatives.

Do you clear entire houses, lofts, sheds, and offices?

Absolutely. We handle one-off item removals through to full property clearances, including lofts, garages, sheds, and offices. Popular options include house clearance, loft clearance, and office clearance. We load, sweep up, and take everything agreed in your quote.

Are there weight or volume limitations?

Yes, vehicle and site safety rules apply. We’ll advise on weight limits for heavy materials (e.g., rubble, soil, tiles) and the maximum volume per load. If needed, we’ll schedule multiple loads or recommend a staged collection. Let us know material types in advance for accurate planning.

Preparing for your collection

How to prepare items for removal

• Separate what’s going and what’s staying.
• Bag small loose items and tidy cables or attachments.
• For fridges/freezers: empty, defrost, and towel-dry.
• For sheds/lofts: ensure safe access and lighting.
• For builders’ waste: keep rubble, timber, and plasterboard separate if possible; it can reduce handling time.

No need to drag items outside—our team can collect from indoors, upstairs, or the garden as long as it’s safe and accessible.

Do you dismantle furniture or fittings?

Yes, we can dismantle bulky furniture where needed for safe removal. Please mention fitted wardrobes, large corner sofas, or built-in units when you request a quote so we can allow time and tools.

Can you remove builders’ waste and DIY debris?

Yes, our builders’ waste removal covers rubble, timber, tiles, old fixtures, and packaging. To help us load safely, keep sharps and broken glass contained and flag any heavy items like stone worktops or cast-iron baths.

Quotes, pricing, and value

How to get an accurate quote

The more we know, the more precise your estimate will be. Please share:

• Photos from different angles
• A rough item list and any heavy or awkward pieces
• Access notes (stairs, parking, lift)
• Preferred dates and times

Start here: get a quote. If the job is complex, we may suggest a quick video call or a site visit.

Do prices include labour?

Yes, our quotes include loading, transport, and disposal fees based on the volume/weight and the time required. Surcharges may apply to certain items (e.g., fridges, mattresses, pianos) due to specialist processing. We’ll outline these clearly before you book.

Are quotes fixed or estimates?

Photo-based quotes are estimates until we see the items in person. On arrival, we confirm the final price before any loading starts. If the load is smaller than expected, we’ll adjust accordingly. If it’s larger or includes undeclared hazardous items, we’ll discuss options before proceeding.

For a fuller overview of how we price jobs, visit our pricing page.

Do you offer regular collections for businesses?

Yes. We provide scheduled and on-demand commercial waste removal. Whether you need weekly collections or occasional clearances, we can tailor a plan. Share your waste types, typical volumes, and access times for a bespoke schedule.

Day of service

What time will you arrive?

We provide an arrival window and keep you updated if schedules move. Traffic and earlier jobs can affect timings, but we’ll always aim to keep you informed. If you need a call 30 minutes before arrival, let us know.

What happens when you arrive?

• We assess the load and access.
• We confirm the price and any specific instructions.
• We load the waste and tidy the area.
• We provide paperwork upon completion if requested.

Do you provide waste transfer notes?

Yes, on request. For commercial loads or where you need documentation, we can issue a waste transfer note detailing the collection and disposal route. Keep this for your records and compliance.

Payments, receipts, and admin

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept common electronic payment methods. If you need an invoice for a business or landlord, please share your billing details when booking. Payment is due on completion unless agreed otherwise in writing.

Will I receive a receipt?

Yes, we provide a receipt via email. If you also need a waste transfer note, tell us before the job so we can prepare it.

Can you invoice letting agents or facilities managers?

Yes, we work with agents, landlords, and FM teams. Provide a purchase order if required and confirm who will authorise access and sign-off. We can share photos for your file once the job is completed.

Changes, cancellations, and guarantees

What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Plans change, and that’s fine. Please give as much notice as possible so we can reallocate the slot. Short-notice cancellations may incur a call-out fee if the team has already been dispatched. If you need to reschedule, we’ll offer the next available window.

What if the job is different on the day?

If the load is significantly larger or includes items we can’t legally take, we’ll discuss options on site:

• Proceed with revised pricing
• Remove part of the load
• Reschedule with the right vehicle or team

Nothing happens without your approval.

Do you guarantee to take everything?

We remove everything agreed in the quote, subject to safe access and legal restrictions. Items deemed unsafe to move without additional equipment or items on the “can’t take” list will be flagged immediately, and we’ll advise next steps.

Environmental responsibility

What happens to my waste after collection?

We sort and segregate wherever possible, aiming for reuse and recycling first. Remaining waste is taken to licensed facilities for compliant processing. We don’t fly-tip—ever. If you need traceability for business compliance, request a waste transfer note.

Can you donate usable items?

Where practical, we’ll set aside items in good condition for donation or reuse. Let us know if you have specific preferences (e.g., local charity shops or community groups). Acceptance depends on condition and safety standards (e.g., fire labels on sofas).

Special items and scenarios

Do you take mattresses, sofas, and carpets?

Yes. These are common items, and we collect them regularly. Some items, such as mattresses and upholstered furniture, may have specialist processing fees which we’ll outline in your quote.

See also our furniture disposal service.

Can you remove garden waste and sheds?

Yes. We handle green waste, soil, branches, fencing, and small tree cuttings. For dismantling sheds, please let us know size and condition. Our garden clearance and shed clearance services can be combined with general waste removal.

Do you take electronics and e-waste?

Yes, including TVs, computers, printers, and small appliances. We follow WEEE regulations and dispose of electronics at licensed facilities. For bulk IT clearances, we can provide itemised notes on request. Explore our e-waste collection service.

Can you help with end-of-tenancy or probate clearances?

Yes, we regularly support agents, landlords, and executors. We offer respectful, efficient end of tenancy clearance and probate clearance. We can work to inventory lists, provide before/after photos, and liaise with building management.

Safety and insurance

Are you insured?

Yes. We hold relevant insurances for our services, including public liability. For details of coverage and documents, visit our insurance page or contact us for confirmation before booking.

Do you carry out risk assessments?

For larger or complex jobs, we conduct a brief risk assessment on site and can provide method statements if required by building management. Please share any known hazards when you book.

Coverage and availability

Which areas do you cover?

We serve Croydon and the wider CR area, with work across nearby boroughs subject to scheduling. If you’re just outside our usual radius, we’ll let you know what’s possible. Learn more on our coverage page.

Do you offer same-day collections?

Where availability allows, yes. It’s best to call early with photos and access details. If same-day isn’t possible, we’ll offer the next available window.

Tips to get the best value

• Share photos and a list of items for a precise quote.
• Tell us about stairs, parking, and any heavy or fragile items.
• Separate recyclables or donate usable items beforehand if you can.
• Combine tasks: for example, add a small garage clearance to your main collection to save on separate visits.
• Book weekday slots if your schedule is flexible; it can improve availability.

Still have questions?

Our team is here to help. For tailored advice, pricing, and scheduling:

• Call: 020 4634 1577
• Email: [email protected]
• Request a no-obligation estimate: get a quote
• Learn more about our approach: how it works

Waste Removal Croydon — reliable, compliant waste removal for homes and businesses across Croydon and the CR area.