Waste removal FAQs

Got questions about rubbish clearance in North London? You’re in the right place. Our waste removal FAQs cover the essentials from booking and access to what we can and can’t take, documentation, payments and more. If you need anything not covered here, the Waste Removal North London team is happy to help.

For tailored guidance or a no‑obligation quote, visit how it works or go straight to get a quote.

Rubbish collection questions

How soon can rubbish be collected?

Availability varies by location and workload. We regularly have short‑notice slots and can dispatch crews promptly when routes allow. If you’re flexible on time, tell us and we’ll offer the earliest available window. For urgent clearances, call 020 4634 0952.

How do I get an accurate quote?

Send clear photos, a brief item list, and access notes (stairs, lift, distance to parking). Mention heavy items (e.g. sofas, appliances) and any dismantling needed. The more detail we have, the more precise the quote. You can upload details via get a quote or ask us about our photo/video assessment.

Do you recycle the waste?

We sort and segregate loads where practical and use licensed transfer facilities that prioritise reuse and recycling. Items suitable for donation are separated when feasible. You’ll receive a waste transfer note confirming responsible disposal.

Do prices include labour?

Yes—quotes normally include loading, reasonable dismantling, and sweep‑up. Surcharges may apply for unusually heavy, hazardous, or time‑intensive work (e.g. excessive bagging, long carry distances, or specialist handling). We’ll flag any such factors upfront where we can.

What weight or volume limitations apply?

Our crews use standard waste collection vehicles with safe loading limits. Quotes are based on a combination of volume, weight, and labour time. If your load may be particularly dense (e.g. rubble, soil, wet wood), tell us so we can allocate the right vehicle and team.

Can you take single items as well as full loads?

Absolutely. We collect anything from one bulky item to multi‑van clearances. Popular single‑item removals include mattresses, sofas, wardrobes and white goods. For multiple rooms or whole property jobs, see services.

Do you provide waste transfer notes?

Yes. For every collection we issue a waste transfer note (WTN) for your records. Commercial clients can request periodic consolidated documentation. Keep the WTN as proof of compliant disposal.

What we can and can’t take

What items do you take as standard?

• General household junk, bagged waste and bric‑a‑brac
• Furniture and bulky items (beds, wardrobes, sofas, tables)
• DIY and builders’ waste such as wood offcuts, plasterboard (segregation may be required), tiles and packaging
• Garden waste and outdoor clutter (green waste, fencing, garden furniture)
• Office items (desks, chairs, filing, mixed shelving)
• Electricals and electronics (see notes on fridges below)

For dedicated services, explore house clearance, garden clearance, and builders’ waste removal.

What we can’t take

Some materials require specialist handling and cannot be collected as general waste:

• Asbestos or suspected asbestos
• Clinical or medical waste, biological waste
• Pressurised gas cylinders, oxygen bottles
• Petrol, diesel, oils, paints, chemicals and solvents
• Loose sharps or needles
• Hazardous powders/liquids or unidentified substances

If you’re unsure, send photos and we’ll advise safe options or refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Do you take fridges and freezers?

Yes, we collect fridges and freezers provided they’re accessible. These are classed as WEEE and must be processed via approved channels. Please defrost and empty them in advance. Additional handling and disposal fees may apply due to specialist treatment requirements.

Do you collect mattresses and sofas with fire labels removed?

We can collect mattresses and sofas regardless of labels. For reuse via charity partners, intact fire labels may be required; otherwise, we’ll direct items to appropriate recycling/disposal streams.

Can you take soil, rubble and hardcore?

Yes, in manageable quantities. These materials are very dense, so they’re typically quoted separately and may require a partial‑load cap or multiple trips. If you have large volumes, we may recommend a skip or dedicated rubble collection.

Booking and access info

What access is needed for collection?

• Parking: A safe spot as close as possible to your property. Let us know about on‑street bays, permits or height restrictions.
• Pathways: Clear routes through hallways and stairs where feasible.
• Lifts: If available, tell us the dimensions and capacity.
• Distance: If there’s a long carry from the property to the vehicle, flag it for accurate quoting.

If parking charges or permits are required, please advise in advance so we can plan accordingly.

Do I need to bag or dismantle items?

Not usually. Our team handles the loading and reasonable dismantling. To speed things up, you can:

• Bag small loose items
• Empty cupboards and drawers
• Disconnect and drain appliances
• Flatten boxes
• Group items by room

If extensive dismantling is required (e.g. fitted wardrobes, sheds), mention it beforehand so we bring the right tools. We also offer shed clearance if you need a full take‑down and removal.

How to prepare items for removal

• Separate what’s going and what’s staying
• Keep valuables, documents and chargers aside
• Defrost and empty fridges/freezers; disconnect appliances
• Ensure pets are safe in another room during loading
• Photograph key items for quoting and insurance records

Do I need to be on-site?

It’s best if someone is present to confirm the items and sign the WTN. For repeat commercial clients or agreed access arrangements, we can operate unattended with prior written approval and photo confirmation.

Do you offer evening or weekend collections?

We provide flexible booking windows subject to route planning and local regulations. Share your preferred time frame and we’ll offer suitable options.

What if I have limited access or no parking?

We can still help—just provide details. Solutions may include:

• Smaller vehicles or a longer carry
• Alternative loading points
• Adjusted crew size
• Coordinated parking permits or paid bays (client reimburses fees)

Payment and receipts

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept major debit/credit cards and bank transfer. For business customers, account terms may be available subject to approval. We do not accept cash for safety and audit reasons.

Do you provide receipts and paperwork?

Yes. You’ll receive:

• A paid invoice/receipt
• A waste transfer note confirming compliant disposal
• Any agreed photos for before/after records

Commercial clients can request monthly statements and site‑specific documentation.

Are quotes fixed?

We aim to provide accurate fixed quotes based on the information supplied. If the actual load, access, or labour differs significantly on arrival, we’ll discuss options before proceeding. We never undertake chargeable changes without your agreement.

Specific items and specialist services

Can you remove WEEE and office IT securely?

Yes. We collect and transport WEEE compliantly. For data‑bearing devices, we can arrange data destruction via approved partners on request. Please specify the level of certification you require at quoting stage.

Do you handle end‑of‑tenancy or probate clearances?

Yes. We regularly manage sensitive clearances with inventory notes and photos on request. For larger properties, a site visit may be recommended. Explore end-of-tenancy clearance and probate clearance for details.

Do you take garden waste and sheds?

Yes. We collect green waste, fence panels, planters and garden furniture. For outbuildings, our shed clearance service includes safe dismantling where agreed. Please remove personal items and ensure power is isolated before dismantling.

Can you remove builders’ waste from renovations?

Yes. We collect mixed light construction waste and segregated streams such as timber, metals and plasterboard. For heavy loads (rubble, tiles, concrete), tell us quantity and access so we can plan vehicle capacity. See builders’ waste removal.

Documentation, compliance and insurance

Are you a licensed waste carrier?

Yes. Waste Removal North London operates as a licensed waste carrier and uses only licensed transfer facilities. Copies of licences and insurance are available on request.

What insurance do you hold?

We hold appropriate public liability and goods‑in‑transit cover. For larger or higher‑risk sites we can provide risk assessments and method statements. Learn more on our insurance page.

Will I get a WTN for every job?

Yes. A waste transfer note is issued for each collection. Keep it as your proof of duty of care. If you misplace it, we can reissue a copy from our records.

Changes, cancellations and access issues

What is your cancellation and rescheduling policy?

Plans change—we understand. Please give as much notice as possible so we can reallocate the slot. Short‑notice changes may incur a call‑out or waiting charge if a crew has already been dispatched.

What if the crew can’t access my property?

If we’re unable to proceed due to access or parking issues beyond our control, we’ll discuss alternatives—e.g. a later window or revised approach. A nominal attendance fee may apply to cover incurred costs.

What happens in poor weather?

Most collections proceed in rain. In severe conditions, we may adjust timings or reschedule for safety. We’ll keep you informed and offer the next suitable window.

Practical tips to keep your clearance smooth

• Share photos and a brief list for accurate quoting
• Flag heavy or awkward items (pianos, stone tables, American‑style fridge freezers)
• Confirm parking and any height/weight restrictions
• Bag small items and empty cupboards before we arrive
• Keep hallways clear and secure pets
• Tell us about time restrictions or building management rules

Still have questions?

Our team is here to help with any rubbish collection questions—from one‑off household clearances to ongoing commercial contracts in North London.

• Call: 020 4634 0952
• Email: [email protected]

For next steps:

• See how it works for our 4‑step process and what to prepare
• Review our transparent approach on pricing
• Ready to proceed? Get a quote and we’ll respond promptly

Waste Removal North London — licensed, insured and committed to responsible disposal across North London.