How to prepare your items for collection
A five-minute checklist that makes collection day quick and avoids a wasted trip: defrosting, access, and what “accessible for loading” actually means.
· 2 min read · By the WEEE Want Your Waste team
The short version
- Items must be outside or on the ground floor with a clear route to the van.
- Fridges and freezers should be switched off, defrosted and emptied 24 hours before.
- If we can’t safely reach an item, we may need to rebook, so tell us about access when you book.
What “accessible for loading” means
For safety and to keep prices low, our crews collect from outside or from the ground floor. That means the kerbside, a driveway, a front garden, a garage, a loading bay, or just inside a ground-floor door. The route to the van should be clear, with no stairs, no tight turns and nothing in the way.
- Outside, on a driveway, or in an open garage: ideal.
- Ground floor, just inside the door, with a clear route: fine.
- Upstairs, in a basement, or behind locked gates: please talk to us first.
Fridges and freezers
- Switch off and unplug at least 24 hours before collection.
- Leave the doors open and put towels down to catch meltwater.
- Remove all food and drink and any loose glass shelves.
- Tape the doors shut on the day so they don’t swing open while it’s being carried.
Washing machines and other appliances
Turn off the water supply and disconnect the hoses. Drain any remaining water if you can, and make sure the appliance is unplugged and pulled out from its space.
Mattresses
Remove all bedding. If possible, bag or wrap the mattress to keep it dry, especially if it’s going outside the night before.
Common questions
Will you collect from upstairs?
Our standard collection is from outside or the ground floor. Call us before booking if an item is upstairs and we’ll let you know if we can help.
Do I need to be home for the collection?
Not always. If items are left outside and accessible, let us know in the access notes.
