Items to go to the dump

[Lola]

I have three small things that I need taking to the local council tip. Not only do I not know where this is (yeah, I know I could find out) but I don't have any transport. The council bulk waste won't collect as one of the items is a very dead Christmas tree, and they won't take garden waste.

Anyone any ideas how I can get rid of them? I've asked a few local rubbish disposal companies, who want around GBP25 for the first item then, variously, GBP20 each for subsequent item or a flat rate of around GBP40. For a broken printer, vacuum cleaner and tree this is an awful lot of money, which I just don't have. Literally don't have.

I expect to pay, I'm not looking for a freebie, I just hoped that someone here might have a good suggestion. Thanks in advance.

[Geoff]

Hi Lola

For starters how big is the tree? I am free tomorrow afternoon (Friday) if you want a lift to the tip, no charge assuming you're local and the tree isn't massive. I need to get rid of a couple of bits too.

Geoff

[Lola]

That's incredibly kind, thank you. However, I have an official type appointment that I can't cancel tomorrow. If you could do over the weekend, I'd be so grateful, and would of course give you petrol money.

I'm in old town, with good access, but the tree is about five foot and still dropping needles unbelievably, so unless you have a working type van, I'm not sure you'd want it in your car.

What do you think?? And thanks again for offering to help - this is why I love living in Hastings.

[Geoff]

Hmmm, I can do Saturday but like you say the size is not good. We could chop it up though. How thick is the trunk if we chop it into 3ft lengths?

[Lola]

After finding a tape measure finally! It's about 3 inches round at the middle point but 7inches round at the bottom. And it's about six foot tall but some of this is one branch thick at the top - the bit you wedge a Christmas fairy on! I don't have anything to chop it with though, would you?

[Richard]

if the vacuum cleaner still works you could sweep up the needles first and then use the petrol money to set fire to it, the tree and the printer at the same time.

but seriously I would put the printer out with the normal dustbin waste and if they don't take it (bagged up in smaller pieces if necessary) then put it out by a litter bin in the street and it will be removed by "Veolia".
As long as there is not a sign saying 'fly-tippers will be prosecuted" you should be ok.
Then put the vacuum cleaner out, after detaching the hose and including it with household waste.
Just leave the tree for next time, paint it green and cover it with tinsel, you'll save the environment and money too_ _ _

[Lola]

Thanks for your suggestions Richard. However, the bin men have already refused to take the printer when I put it in my regular bin collection, so I have no faith they would take the vacuum cleaner either. It was removed from my bin bag and left on my step with a note saying they don't take it.

The bins in Old Town are the ones with the tiny space to swing tiny amounts of rubbish into, so no chance of getting it in there either, and I don't think leaving it on the kerb next to a bin is exactly right.

I don't have the option of keeping the tree, as I am leaving my rented property and have to clear the garden, hence the need to for the removal, as I need my large deposit back from my landlord. Am getting desperate now, do you have any more helpful ideas??

[Richard]

Let me when is a good time for you (pref evenings or around 5 p.m.) and I will see what I can do.

I'll take the tree home to my place and "granny" next door loves bonfires in her garden.
As for the printer - if it is a light domestic one I will take that too and 'no questions asked' plus the 'vac' on a second trip.

Richard

[Richard]

Lola - I've sent you a message with my contact details_ _ _

[Geoff]

Sorry I've been sidetracked. Sounds like you've got this sorted though.
Thanks Richard for stepping in