How to get rid of an old sofa in London
Old sofas are one of the things we collect most in London. They are bulky, often stuck up a flight of stairs, and they cannot go in the bin. Here are your options, from free to fully done for you.
1. Sell it or give it away
If the sofa is in good condition, try selling it or offering it free on local selling sites. Most charities and second-hand shops only take upholstered furniture that still has its fire safety label attached, so check for the label first.
2. Book a council bulky waste collection
Most London councils offer a bulky waste collection for a fee. Waiting times and prices vary by borough, and items usually have to be left outside, so you still need to get the sofa downstairs yourself. Check your council's website for current details.
3. Take it to a recycling centre
If you have a large car or van, you can take it to your local household reuse and recycling centre. Some sites need you to book a slot and some limit van access, so check before you go.
4. Use a licensed junk removal service
We carry the sofa out from any room, including down stairs, and take it away in one visit. A single sofa starts from £84 plus an upholstered item charge of £48, including VAT. Stairs with no lift add £18 per flight.
Why sofas cost extra to dispose of
Many sofas and armchairs contain chemicals called persistent organic pollutants (POPs), from fire retardants used in the past. Under UK rules, waste upholstered seating that may contain POPs has to be destroyed, usually by incineration, rather than sent to landfill. That separate route costs more, which is why sofas carry a surcharge.
Tips before collection day
- Measure the sofa and your doorways. Tell us if you think it will be a tight fit.
- Remove cushions and anything stored underneath.
- In a flat, check the lift size and any building rules for removals.
- In permit areas like Islington, Lambeth or Southwark, a visitor permit saves time.
Quick price: choose a single item and add a sofa in our estimator.