How to get rid of a sofa in Leeds

Four ways to get rid of an old sofa in Leeds, and what each one costs, checked against Leeds City Council pages on 28 October 2026.

Council collection

A sofa can go on the council bulky collection. Every household gets one free collection a financial year, then it is £30 for up to 5 items. The council counts furniture by part, so ask how a large corner sofa will be counted when you book. Put it outside by 7am, and it has to be dry, and small enough for two people to carry.

Taking it to the tip

The council lists furniture at Kirkstall, Meanwood, Middleton, Pudsey, Seacroft, Wetherby and Yeadon. Otley says it isn't accepting upholstered seating such as sofas and armchairs. Getting it there is the hard bit: a big sofa won't fit in most cars, and a van needs a permit. Box vans are banned outright.

Re-use and charities

Kirkstall and Seacroft tips each have a Revive Leeds re-use shop. Upholstered furniture can only be resold with the fire safety label attached, and in good condition, so ring first and don't turn up with a stained one.

Why sofas are handled separately

Many sofas and armchairs contain flame-retardant chemicals called POPs (persistent organic pollutants). Under England's rules, old upholstered seating that contains them must be destroyed, not recycled or buried. It's a good reason to use a registered carrier, who knows the rules. See fly-tipping and your duty of care.

Private collection

A licensed company carries it out from any room, down the stairs, often within a day or two. One sofa is typically £35 to £80, and adding other things on the same visit is cheaper per item. See single item removal.