St Helens Council collects large household items from outside your home for a fee, starting at £27 for three items. It is the cheapest legal way to get rid of a few big things you can carry out yourself, but there is no free collection, crews will not come inside, and one booking takes no more than four standard items.
Bulky Collection Prices in 2026
These are the charges on the council's bulky rubbish page, last updated on 12 October 2026.
| Item type | Charge | Limit per booking |
|---|---|---|
| Standard items | £27.00 for up to 3 | 3, plus 1 extra |
| Extra standard item | £8.30 | 1 |
| Fridges, freezers and electricals | £18.50 each | 2 |
| Settees and upholstered furniture | £18.50 each | Not stated |
There are no discounts or free collections for pensioners or people on benefits. Four standard items cost £35.30, which is the most a single standard booking can take.
What Counts as Which Item
The council's item list sorts things into three bands, and the band sets the price.
- Standard: beds, bed bases, headboards, mattresses, wardrobes, chests of drawers, tables, desks, bookcases, carpets, rugs, garden furniture and exercise equipment.
- Electrical: fridges, freezers, cookers, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, microwaves, hoovers and televisions.
- Upholstered: settees, sofa beds, armchairs and upholstered dining chairs.
A mattress counts as a standard item, not an upholstered one. Torn or damaged upholstered furniture must be wrapped in plastic sheeting or have the damage taped over, because it has to be handled separately under the sofa and armchair disposal rules.
The Kerbside Rule
The crew will not enter your home, garage, shed or greenhouse, and will not knock.
- Put items out at ground level in the front or back garden or on the drive from 6:30am on collection day, and no more than 24 hours before.
- In a flat, leave items outside the bin store. There is no carry-down service.
- Nothing can be bigger than 6ft by 4ft. A heavy settee two people cannot lift has to be taken apart.
- Keep the way clear of parked cars and locked gates, and cover items to keep them dry.
- Put out only what you booked. Unbooked items are left behind.
If the crew cannot reach the items, they are too wet or heavy, or they went out after the crew passed, the collection is marked as missed with no return visit or refund.
Booking and Cancelling
Book online through the council's bulky collection form or by phoning 01744 676789, paying by card. The service is only for homes in St Helens borough. To change or cancel, use the link in your confirmation email at least two full working days before the collection, or you lose the fee. The council does not publish how far ahead collections are booked, so book as soon as you know.
How St Helens Compares
| Council | Price | Items |
|---|---|---|
| St Helens | £27.00, plus £8.30 for a 4th | Up to 4 standard items |
| Knowsley | £30 for up to 5, £58 for 6 to 10 | Up to 10 |
| Warrington | £35.26 for 3, £43.91 for 5 | Up to 5 |
Prices from each council's website in October 2026. St Helens is cheap for three items, but it caps a booking at four standard items where its neighbours allow five or more.
When Another Route Is Cheaper
- Good furniture with its fire label can often go to a free charity furniture collection instead.
- If you have a car and the item fits, the council tips are free, though a van needs a booking.
- If the items are upstairs, there are more than four, or you need them gone today, a man and van rubbish removal carries them out from inside.
Whatever you choose, do not leave items on the street before a collection is booked. St Helens Council announced two extra fly-tipping enforcement officers on 6 July 2026, and it pointed residents to the bulky service as the legal alternative to dumping.
Facts and charges in this guide were checked against the sources linked above on 20 October 2026. Council charges and rules change, so check the linked page before you rely on a figure. More St Helens moving and clearance guides.