Old Sofas

[latinovirgin]

I have an old 3-piece suite which I need to get rid of. It's in good condition, but it won't pass fire regulations for flat rental purposes. Are there any charities or recycling organisations which would take it? Is there any other way I can dispose of it. My main problem is I need help in getting it out of my top-floor flat and have no suitable transport to take it anywhere. I live in the London area.

[joko]

you can buy flame retardant spray, which we use in films etc, to make the sofa flame retardant.

i know one brand called flambe

google for others

[maria_xox]

http://www.freecycle.org/ it is a great site for you to give away stuff to those who need it, also you can see what other people are giving away, the great bit is it is FREE

[GlitteryPink]

I used to work at the council for a London Borough and we had a list of charities who would collect unwanted furniture so try giving yours a ring. You may have a problem with the fire regs tho because around me they won't collect unless it has the fire labels attached, even if you have fireproofed it. One thing you can do tho is attach the ones off your new suite if it has them.

[hartley]

As GlitteryPink says, reuse charities often collect second hand furniture and give it (or sell it cheaply) to people on low incomes in social housing. If they are a reputable charity they will not take sofas, armchairs etc which do not have the fire regulation labels still attached. It is illegal to supply such furniture and the charity may be liable in the event of a deaths through the fire.

It would be irresponsible to try and dupe an organisation into taking your furniture by removing the labels from your new sofa and stitching them onto the old one. This would also mean you'd have exactly the same problem when you have to get rid of your new sofa!

I would contact your local council they will probably have a collection service for bulky items. They might not collect it from a top floor flat though - could you perhaps ask a neighbour to give you a hand getting it to the street?

[WendyS]

Your local council will probably remove it for you for a fee if you contact their Refuse and Recycling Dept; Unfortunately if it won't pass fire regulations then no charity will touch it.