Cardboard and paper packing materials
Clean cartons and paper can often be reused for another stage of a move or separated for an appropriate recycling collection. Wet, contaminated or badly damaged material may not be accepted.
Packing Material Reuse and Recycling
Practical guidance for separating packing materials and discussing unwanted items before a move
Plan reuse or recycling before moving day
A removals service and a waste-collection service are not the same thing. If you have unwanted furniture, used packing materials, electrical items or other materials to remove, tell us when requesting your quotation. We can then confirm what forms part of the agreed moving service and what needs a separate, appropriate collection route.
Materials commonly discussed during a move
The suitable route depends on the material, its condition and the facilities or organisations available at the time. The guidance below is deliberately conditional; it does not guarantee that every item can be reused, donated or recycled.
Plastic protective materials
Acceptance of stretch film, bubble wrap and other plastics varies between recycling facilities. We avoid promising a recycling route until the material and the available local option have been checked.
Furniture and reusable household items
Suitable items may have a reuse or donation option, but this depends on their condition, fire labels, collection requirements and whether a receiving organisation can accept them.
Electrical, metal and controlled waste
These items require the correct handling route. Collection or disposal is not automatically included in a removals quotation and must be discussed and agreed before moving day.
Information to provide with your quotation
- the type and approximate quantity of packing material or unwanted items;
- whether furniture is complete, clean and fitted with any required fire-safety labels;
- whether electrical items, batteries, liquids or controlled materials are involved;
- access, loading and collection restrictions at the property; and
- whether reuse, donation or removal is essential to the agreed moving plan.
Do not place confidential paperwork, hazardous material or an unagreed disposal load with ordinary moving boxes. The written quotation should identify the work that has actually been accepted.
Our publishing standard
We do not publish a recycling percentage, annual tonnage or zero-waste claim unless it is supported by current records covering the period and activity described. Our environmental information therefore focuses on practical planning, responsible handling and clear quotation scope.