When you invest in a beautiful new carpet, stylish vinyl, or durable laminate, LVT, or SPC, the excitement of transforming your space takes over. However, before the new flooring can be laid, the old flooring needs to go!
To give our customers complete flexibility, we offer a few different paths for getting rid of your old flooring. While we provide an in-house disposal service, handling trade waste incurs heavy commercial fees, making it the most expensive route. If you want to keep your project costs as low as possible, getting rid of it yourself as a private resident is incredibly simple and completely free (or very low cost).
The good news? Getting rid of household flooring is incredibly simple and completely free (or very low cost) if you handle it as a private resident. Here is exactly how to do it in Leeds.
Option 1: The Free Council “Unwanted Items” Collection
Leeds City Council offers a fantastic bulky waste service for local residents. Every Leeds household is entitled to one free bulky waste collection per financial year (which runs from April to March).
If you have already used your free slot, you can book up to three more collections in the same year for £30 each. Each booking allows you to dispose of up to 5 items.
The Council’s Rules for Flooring:
- Keep it dry: The team cannot lift waterlogged carpets, so don’t leave them out in the rain.
- Roll and tape it: Cut and roll the flooring into manageable, wrapped bundles. Loose, messy pieces will be left behind.
- Separate underlay: Carpets and underlays must be separated and rolled individually.
- Place it outside: The council will only collect from outside your property boundary (e.g., your driveway or front garden); they cannot enter your home.
Ready to book? You will need your Council Tax account number handy. Book your Leeds Council bulky waste collection here.
Option 2: Drop It Off at a Local Recycling Centre (The “Tip”)
If you have a car and want the old flooring gone immediately, you can take it to one of Leeds’ Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). This service is completely free for local residents driving standard cars.
Note: If you are using a large van or a trailer to transport the waste, you will need to apply for a free commercial vehicle permit on the council website before you go.
There are 8 recycling centres across Leeds, including popular sites in Kirkstall, Meanwood, Middleton, Pudsey, and Seacroft.
Find your nearest site: Check opening times and locations on the Leeds City Council Recycling Sites page here.
Option 3: Let Us Handle It (Our Disposal Service)
If you don’t have the time to deal with the council, don’t have a vehicle to visit the tip, or simply want a completely hands-off experience, we can take care of the disposal for you!
Because we are a business, any waste we collect is legally classified as commercial/industrial waste, meaning we have to pay strict commercial tipping fees to dispose of it. As a result, adding this service to your fitting will incur an extra charge to cover these trade disposal costs.
However, if convenience is your top priority, our team will uplift your old flooring, load it up, and ensure it is disposed of legally and responsibly without you lifting a finger. Speak to our team when booking your installation to get a custom quote for this service.
Need Help Planning Your Installation?
Getting your space ready for your new carpet, vinyl, or other floorings doesn’t have to be stressful. If you have any questions about measuring, delivery timelines, or preparing your subfloor before the fitters arrive, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team or pop into the showroom!
