Moving out of Edinburgh? What to do with your furniture
Moving out of your student flat in Edinburgh? The council charges £5 for each bulky item it uplifts, and its recycling centres need a booking - so giving away what still works is often the cheapest way out. Below is what the council and the university themselves say, with the source next to every rule.
Please note: this guide is general information to help you plan, not legal advice. yeybu is not part of, or affiliated with, the city or the organisations named here. Fees, fines, opening hours and rules are set by them and can change at any time; the official page always prevails. No rights can be derived from this page.
When students move in Edinburgh
Many flats come free around the end of a semester; start sorting out what to give away a few weeks before.
Give it away free
What still works can make someone else happy. On yeybu you can see what is being given away free in Edinburgh, and post something yourself for free.
Bulky uplift
- The council charges £5 for each item uplifted. You don't pay if you or someone in your household receives Council Tax reduction; other discounts such as the single occupancy discount don't count. (City of Edinburgh Council - bulky waste, 2026-10-07)
- Up to five items are collected per uplift, and each must be liftable by two people. A bed frame, headboard and mattress each count as a separate item, as do the parts of a large or L-shaped sofa that need unclipping. (City of Edinburgh Council - bulky waste, 2026-10-07)
- Put all items on the pavement in front of your property by 7am on collection day, and not at any other time. (City of Edinburgh Council - bulky waste, 2026-10-07)
- The council does not uplift, among others, items more than seven feet long, garden waste, building materials, pianos or a house clearance. (City of Edinburgh Council - bulky waste, 2026-10-07)
- The council suggests having large items that are still in good condition collected by an organisation listed on Scotland's Re-use Tool. (City of Edinburgh Council - bulky waste, 2026-10-07)
The recycling centres
Free in Edinburgh right now
Everything being given away free in Edinburgh
Timeline
- 4 weeks before you move: decide what you take, what you give away and what has to go.
- 3 weeks before: post what you give away free online, with photos, sizes and when it can be collected.
- 2 weeks before: check Scotland's Re-use Tool for good-condition furniture; book a bulky uplift (£5 per item) for the rest.
- Coming by bike with a small amount? You can visit Seafield or Sighthill without booking.
- Uplift day: everything on the pavement by 7am.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a bulky uplift cost in Edinburgh?
£5 for each item, up to five items per uplift. You don't pay if your household receives Council Tax reduction.
Does a bed count as one item?
No. A bed frame, headboard and mattress each count as a separate item, and each is charged.
Do I need to book the recycling centre?
Yes, except on foot or by pedal bike with small amounts (pedestrian access is currently suspended at Craigmillar).
Every rule above comes from the official source named next to it and was checked on the date shown. Rules can change: if in doubt, check the source.