Other ways to get rid of items

How to get rid of unwanted items

Re-use items

Before you take your unwanted items to the tip (recycling and household waste sites), please consider if the item could be re-used.

There are several charitable organisations which will collect good quality items. The items are then reused in this area to those who are in need. Reuse projects in Leicestershire include:

  • Hinckley Work-Link is a recycling charity. They will collect quality furniture and electrical goods for reuse to families on low income. For more information, visit Work-Link's (worklinkproject.org), telephone their furniture and electrical goods re-use hotline on 01455 634449 or telephone 01455 636506
  • Mind Furniture in Hinckley town centre. To donate your unwanted furniture, telephone them on 01455 633490 or call in at 72/74 Castle Street, Hinckley LE10 1DA to arrange a free collection
  • The Emporium, Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland is a charity who accepts donations of items in sellable condition including furniture, household goods, clothing, books, records, CDs, DVDs. For more information visit Emmaus website (emmaus.org.uk), telephone 01455 637587 or call in at Hinckley Emporium, Stockwell Head, Hinckley, LE10 1RG
  • SOFA (Suppliers of Furniture & Appliances) is a recycling project based in Leicester and will collect suitable household furniture in the Ratby and Groby area. For further details, visit SOFA's website (sofareuse.org) or telephone 01509 262557
  • REACT (Rural Enterprise, Advice and Care Team Furniture Project) also collect good quality furniture for re-use and they cover the Markfield/Bagworth and Market Bosworth area. For further information, telephone 01530 512454 / 510515
  • Baby Gear is based in Leicester. For further information, telephone 0116 2516415

Full details are also available on the Leicestershire Waste Partnership website (lesswaste.org.uk)

Act local, think global. All around the borough there are charity shops and local organisations that will benefit from your secondhand items. Suggestions are:

  • Bed linen (sheets and pillowcases, for example) are always welcome at charity shops. It is better not to reuse duvets, but you may know of a pet owner who will be able to make use of these, or a local animal shelter
  • Bric-a-brac is always welcome at charity shops, jumble sales or local fund raising events
  • Charity Shops - the Yellow Pages will give you a comprehensive list of the shops in your area

Take items to the tip

Many unwanted items can be taken to recycling and household waste sites (leicestershire.gov.uk) please refer to the site of your choice for more information. These sites are for household (domestic) waste only.

Waste permits and charges

Recycling and household waste sites are provided by Leicestershire County Council. Large vehicles, vans and vehicles with trailers require a waste permit (leicestershire.gov.uk). The permit is free of charge, but there is a charge to dispose of certain non-household waste, for example, paving slabs, concrete posts, rubble and hardcore. 

Find out about waste disposal charges and terms (leicestershire.gov.uk)

Use a private company

Please note, if you are going to use a private company to remove your waste, you must ensure they are a registered waste carrier and that you receive a waste transfer note from them. Check the company you want to use is a registered waste carrier, broker or dealer (environment.data.gov.uk) - please note most companies will come under 'lower tier'.

Last updated: ‎23/08/2022 11:15