Waste collection guide · Bromley

Council collection or private clearance — which do you need?

Bromley Council collects your bins. But for everything else — bulky items, builders waste, full house clearances, office clear-outs — you need a licensed private waste carrier.

If you're searching for waste collection near Bromley, it helps to know what the council does and doesn't cover. This guide explains the difference, so you can get the right service first time.

What Bromley Council waste collection covers

Weekly or fortnightly household rubbish (black bin bags or wheeled bins)
Fortnightly recycling collection (paper, card, glass, cans, plastics)
Garden waste subscription service (brown bin, annual fee applies)
Food waste collections in some areas
Bulky item collection — limited items, chargeable, waiting list often applies

Council collections follow a fixed schedule. They will not collect builders rubble, large volumes of garden waste, items from a house clearance, or commercial waste.

What a private licensed waste carrier covers

Full house clearances — entire property contents, any volume
Builders waste and renovation rubble — plasterboard, timber, bricks, soil
Office and commercial clearances — furniture, equipment, filing, IT
Garden waste in any quantity — soil, turf, branches, sheds, greenhouses
Garage and loft clearances
Probate and bereavement clearances
Hoarder clearances — sensitive, non-judgemental service
Fly-tip clearance — removal of illegally dumped waste from your land
Same-day or next-day collection — no waiting list

Which service do you need?

Find your situation below.

I have household rubbish that fits in my bin

Council collection

Put it in your black bin on collection day. No charge beyond council tax.

I'm renovating and have builders waste — rubble, plasterboard, timber

Private licensed carrier

Builders waste cannot go in household bins or council skips. You need a registered waste carrier. Clear It collects builders waste across Bromley from £80.

I need to clear a whole house — furniture, appliances, everything

Private licensed carrier

Council bulky collections are limited to a few items and require advance booking. A full house clearance needs a private carrier with a van and crew.

My office is relocating or closing and I need everything removed

Private licensed carrier

Commercial waste cannot be disposed of through household council services. A licensed carrier is a legal requirement for business waste.

I have a few large items — a sofa, a fridge, a mattress

Either — depends on urgency

Bromley Council offers a chargeable bulky item collection but waiting times vary. Clear It can collect the same day or next day from £80.

Someone has fly-tipped waste on my land

Private licensed carrier

If the fly-tipping is on private land, the council will not remove it — it is your responsibility. Clear It handles fly-tip clearances across Bromley.

Why your waste carrier must be licensed

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, it is a criminal offence to transport controlled waste without a valid Environment Agency registration. If you hire an unlicensed carrier, you could be held liable for fly-tipping even if you did not dump the waste yourself. Always ask to see a waste carrier licence number before handing over any waste.

Clear It is a registered waste carrier. Our Environment Agency licence number is CBDU604226. You can verify this on the public register at environment.data.gov.uk.

Common questions

Does Bromley Council collect builders waste?

No. Bromley Council household collections do not accept builders rubble, plasterboard, timber, bricks, soil or other construction and demolition waste. You need a licensed private waste carrier. Clear It collects builders waste across Bromley and surrounding areas.

Can I put house clearance items in my council bin?

Only small items that fit in your household bin. Large volumes of furniture, appliances and general household contents from a clearance cannot go in council bins. You need a private clearance company with a van and crew.

How much does private waste collection cost near Bromley?

Clear It charges from £80 for a single-item or small load collection. Full house clearances are priced on volume and access. We agree the price before any work begins — no hidden charges.

How quickly can a private waste carrier collect near me?

Clear It typically arranges collection within a few days. Same-day and next-day slots are sometimes available. Send photos on WhatsApp and we'll confirm availability for your postcode.

Do I need a licensed waste carrier for office clearance?

Yes. Business and commercial waste is classified as controlled waste under UK law. It must be handled by a registered waste carrier. Using an unlicensed carrier is an offence and can result in a fine.

What areas near Bromley does Clear It cover?

Clear It covers Bromley (BR1, BR2), Beckenham (BR3), West Wickham (BR4), Orpington (BR5, BR6), Chislehurst (BR7), Penge and Anerley (SE20), Crystal Palace (SE19), Sydenham (SE26), Forest Hill (SE23), Sidcup (DA14, DA15) and New Eltham (SE9).

Need a private waste carrier near Bromley?

Clear It is a fully licensed waste carrier covering Bromley and all surrounding areas. Send photos on WhatsApp for a quote — we reply within 10 minutes.

Licence: CBDU604226

Send photos on WhatsApp Call 07506353845