Recycling and responsible disposal of house clearance waste

A good clearance should not mean everything ends up in landfill. Here is how we handle the items we take.

How we sort

We sort everything as we clear. Items fall into broad groups: things that can be reused, things that can be recycled, and things that need proper disposal. Sorting on site and again at our destinations means more of your belongings find a second life.

Donating and reusing

Usable furniture, household goods, clothing and books can be donated to charity or reused. We support:

• Children North East
• Barnardo's
• St Oswald's Hospice
• Butterwick Hospice
• British Heart Foundation
• Mind

Read more on our charities page.

Recycling

Metals and other materials are recycled wherever possible. Our aim is to recycle or donate as much as we can, and what is left is taken to licensed recycling centres and waste facilities.

Items that need special handling

Electricals (WEEE)

Waste electrical and electronic equipment, such as fridges, televisions and cookers, needs to be separated and processed properly rather than thrown away with general waste.

Mattresses

Mattresses are bulky and have specific recycling and disposal routes, so we keep them separate from other waste.

Furniture with fire labels

Upholstered furniture often carries a fire safety label. Where items are donated, charities have their own rules on what they can accept, so some pieces cannot be reused and are disposed of appropriately.

What happens to the rest

Not everything can be donated or recycled. Worn mattresses, damaged soft furnishings and general household waste have to be disposed of, and we take these to licensed recycling centres and waste facilities, where fees apply. Those fees are part of why our pricing includes recycling-centre costs, and why a second load costs 50% of the fee.

We keep different materials separate wherever practical. Metals, wood, glass, textiles, books and electricals all have different routes, and separating them at the property makes it far more likely they are recycled instead of buried.

Paperwork and personal items

Paperwork, photographs and valuables are never treated as waste. We set them aside for the family, and where you ask us to dispose of confidential papers we will do so sensibly. Tell us in advance what you would like done with documents.

Why checking your waste carrier matters

Anyone who takes waste away from your home should be a registered waste carrier. If waste is dumped illegally, it can be traced back to the householder who gave it away, so it is worth asking to see a company's details. You can check on the GOV.UK waste carrier register. We are happy to show our waste carrier details on request.

The risk of fly-tipping

Fly-tipping harms local communities and the environment. Unlicensed operators who offer a suspiciously cheap clearance may dump rubbish rather than dispose of it properly. A responsible company will explain where items go. For more, see our how it works page, or visit Recycle Now for general advice.