Fly-tipping has hit record levels in the UK, with 1.26 million incidents recorded in 2024-25 and reports of large-scale illegal dumps making headlines.

As many local councils look to explore strategies to tackle the surge in waste crime, Kingston upon Thames waste management experts at BusinessWaste.co.uk analysed bulky waste charges across the UK, and can reveal that Richmond borough takes the top spot for bulky waste charges in London.

Richmond borough has the most expensive bulky waste collection service in London at £85 for up to five items and £9.90 for any items beyond this. This means that a collection of six items will be charged at £94.90, and nine items at £124.60.

The council does provide a discount for those over 60, charging just £29 for up to five items, and £7.80 for each additional item. The discounted rate is limited to five collections.

If you are on low income, the council will provide two free collections, but any beyond this will be charged at full price. Fridges and freezers are charged separately at £74.90, but again concessions are available for those over 60 or on low income.

Richmond borough is also the third most expensive council in the whole UK, since February 2025, Richmond Council has increased prices for the service by 11.84%, previously charging £76.

Richmond borough has the most expensive bulky waste collection service in London (Credit: BusinessWaste.co.uk)

In second place is Havering with a minimum charge of £71.50. This covers one to three items, with every additional item costing £18.50. The council doesn't specify if they offer any concessions or discounts or if fridges are included with the service.

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Since BusinessWaste.co.uk last recorded data in February 2025, the council's prices have seen a 8.33% increase from £66.

Brent is in third place with the council charging £55 for its service. The local authority will collect up to five large household items and fridges are included but only two are allowed per booking.

Anyone who receives council tax benefit or pension credit can receive one free bulky collection per year. The price has remained unchanged since February 2025.

The eight London councils offering a free collection include:

• Harrow
• Redbridge
• Tower Hamlets
• Wandsworth
• Barking and Dagenham
• Merton
• Enfield
• Waltham Forest