After moving into an unfurnished flat, a woman was overwhelmed by cardboard waste that the council refused to collect because it wouldn't fit in a bin with a closed lid. She ended up paying £105 for a private contractor to remove the excess, the cheapest quote she could find.
Common Problem After Moving
The waste experts at Wheeldon Brothers say this is a fairly common issue. A spokesperson explained: "After moving house, it's completely normal to be left with dozens of cardboard boxes."
However, many people assume bin crews will take everything in one go, but that's often not how collections work. The spokesperson added: "Most councils have limits on how much recycling they'll collect, and large amounts of cardboard can quickly exceed those limits."
Tips to Increase Chances of Collection
To avoid the problem, the experts suggest flattening all cardboard boxes and removing any polystyrene or soft plastics. Flattening boxes helps maximize space in the collection vehicle, so crews are less likely to leave bulky pieces behind.
Planning ahead is also key. The spokesperson advised: "Moving house inevitably creates more waste than normal, but planning ahead makes a big difference. Flatten boxes, remove packaging materials and check your council's recycling guidance. If you've got far more cardboard than your bin can accommodate, a trip to the local recycling centre is often the quickest and easiest solution."
