I live in a block of flats and people often dump large items (old sofas, radiators, toilets, for example) next to the rubbish collection point at the block. Lewisham's refuse collectors don't take them, I'm assuming because they're too big and not 'normal' rubbish. What's the best way to get rid of items like that at minimal cost to the block? Any ideas, creative or practical, most welcome

When we leave things out for Council collection they always managed to disappear overnight. Try and find a clearance firm who may take these things away free of charge. Sometimes people don't always know the value of what they are throwing away and hence even radiators can fetch reasonable money these days on the second hand market.

Lewisham will come and take stuff away, but you have to book a collection and it costs ?15 for up to 3 items.

See here

But their website also has other suggestions for recycling and donating to good causes. I once tried to give a sofa that was still perfectly serviceable, but had been neatly repaired, to the Shaftesbury Society and they turned their noses up.

Thanks, Roz and shz1400. All suggestions welcome!

The ?15 service is very efficient - just used it.
They will take fly tipping away for free, of course.

Two students from Goldsmith's re-cycled our old kitchen as a work of art for an exhibition on the South Bank.

I've just joined Lewisham Freecycle on Yahoo- there is someone looking for a sofa on there in case shzl400 still needs to get rid of one!