One of the most common questions we hear is: what actually happens to everything once it leaves the property? This guide explains how we sort cleared items, what gets reused, what gets recycled, and what the Waste Transfer Note you receive at the end of the job actually means.
Sorting on the day
As we clear each room we sort items into categories: items for reuse, items for recycling, and residual waste for the licensed transfer station. We do not simply fill a skip and send everything to landfill. The sorting happens as we work, so you do not need to pre-sort before we arrive — though if you have already set items aside to keep or donate, tell us and we will work around them.
Items that go to reuse
Furniture in good condition, household appliances in working order, clothing, books, kitchenware and collectables are diverted to local reuse outlets where possible. Reuse extends the life of items, keeps them out of landfill, and reduces the environmental footprint of the clearance. We do not name specific organisations as our reuse routes change depending on what we have and what is currently being accepted — but maximum eco-friendly processing is always the goal.
Items that are recycled
Metal, glass, cardboard, certain plastics and electrical items (WEEE) are sorted for recycling at licensed facilities. Fridges and freezers require specialist handling due to their refrigerant gases and are processed at an approved refrigerant-recovery facility.
Residual waste
Items that cannot be reused or recycled — broken furniture, mixed waste, non-recyclable materials — go to a licensed waste transfer station. These facilities are regulated by the Environment Agency, and all waste is handled in accordance with the Duty of Care requirements under the Environmental Protection Act.
Your Waste Transfer Note
At the end of every clearance we issue a Waste Transfer Note. This is a legal document confirming that:
- the waste was collected by a licensed carrier (Dorset House Clearances),
- it has been transferred to an authorised facility, and
- you (as the property occupier or executor) have fulfilled your Duty of Care.
Keep this document — it may be requested by a solicitor, local authority or future buyer as proof of responsible disposal. We can post it or email it, whichever you prefer.
Items we cannot take
We cannot legally carry certain hazardous materials: asbestos, clinical waste (sharps, medical equipment), chemicals, paint, and some electrical items that require specialist handling beyond standard WEEE. If you have these, we will advise you on how to dispose of them lawfully before the clearance day.