Slough Move-Out & Checkout Guide
By Buzz Cleaners | Last updated: 2026-02-19
Disclaimer: This guide provides practical guidance, not legal advice. It only states Slough rules, which are confirmed by the official council tools/pages linked below.
Who's in charge of what in Slough
Moving out in Slough is easier than in other areas because you only have to deal with one authority for your logistics. Slough Borough Council is responsible for all the essential services you'll need - parking permits, waste collection, bulky item removal, and recycling centre access.
The services you need when moving out can be found at:
- Parking permits and dispensations: Parking and Permits Hub
- Bin collections and schedules: Bins, Waste and Recycling Hub
- Large item removal: Bulky Waste Collections
- Tip runs: Household Waste Recycling Centres and Waste Transfer Station
Definitions
HWRC: Household Waste Recycling Centre (the local tip where you drop items yourself).
CPZ: Controlled Parking Zone (areas where parking permits are necessary during certain hours).
PermitSmarti: Slough's online system where you apply for all parking permits and dispensations.
Quick decision tree for Slough
The following questions will guide you in spotting your priorities:
- Will you need parking for removal vans or extra cars on moving day?
→ Access the Slough Parking and Permits page to see what permits or dispensations will be necessary. Don’t assume that you can legally park anywhere. - Do you have regular household rubbish or recycling to clear out?
→ Use the Check your bin collection day tool to see when your bins are collected. Keep in mind that collections alternate between weeks. - Do you have large items like sofas, mattresses, or old appliances to dispose of?
→ At Bulky Waste Collections, you can book a council collection. Do it well in advance, and not during the final week. - Want to take stuff to the tip yourself?
→ Learn the rules and opening hours at Chalvey HWRC. ID and proof of address will be necessary.
Step 1: Sorting out parking for your move
The official resource: Parking and Permits Hub
Whether you need parking for the removal van, your friend’s car, or your own vehicle while loading boxes, organising it well in advance will make moving day less stressful. Avoid getting ticketed and make parking arrangements early.
Here's what you need to do:
Use PermitSmarti to apply for the necessary permit. The Slough's online system covers all parking applications—create an account if you don’t have one yet.
Collect your documents before you submit the application. Proof of address = (dated within the last 3 months) and your vehicle's V5C registration document will be necessary. The council’s request is strict—your application will be automatically rejected if you don’t provide the required documents.
Need visitor permits for people helping you move? Count how many hours you'll need. You can’t exceed 720 hours per property per year.
A parking dispensation or bay suspension may be necessary for removal vans. Advance arrangements are necessary. You will email the details to the council. A Streetworks approval will also be needed if utility work takes place.
Access Slough's public notice page to see if your street is in a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ). Specific rules and charges apply for these areas.
At Parking Permits Cost and Fees, you can see the current charges.
Important rules to watch out for:
When you apply for a resident parking permit, you will pay £50 for your first permit, £125 for a second, and £250 for a third per household. Some new developments don’t qualify at all. → If your address isn’t eligible, your application will be rejected, and you will have to pay the right fee. → Verify your eligibility and access PermitSmarti to pay.
If you don’t provide the necessary documents, your application will be denied.→ No permit is issued when you can’t provide proof of residency or V5C→ Before you apply online, prepare everything you need.
Need visitor permits? Keep in mind that you can’t exceed 720 hours per year per property. Over-60s benefit from a 50% discount but must provide proof. → The application is rejected when you exceed the limit or claim a discount without presenting an ID.→ Submit your application online and upload evidence for any discount.
Should you need a parking dispensation, remember that you pay £10 per day or £30 per week. Providing evidence of reason is also mandatory. → You won’t get a dispensation when you cannot provide evidence.→ Submit your application at PermitSmarti and upload any supporting documents.
If you need a bay suspension, email parking@slough.gov.uk. You will also need Streetworks approval if utilities will be involved.→ Your request will be rejected when your details are incomplete or you miss approvals. → Include all requested information when emailing to both addresses.
When you're in a CPZ, remember that you can’t have more than two permits per household, for which you pay£75 and £125 → Application is available only for eligible properties, and you must stick to zone rules → Verify your address status and submit your application online.
Step 2: Planning your final bin collections
Bins, Waste and Recycling Service Hub is the place to start.
Poor timing on your bins will derail your moving day. In Slough, collections run on alternate weeks—you get either general waste or recycling collected; they’re not collected in the same week. Don’t miss the final collection—you don’t want to be left with rubbish bags on moving day.
Here's what you need to do:
Use Check your bin collection day to see when your bins will be collected next. With this tool, you can see the next collection date and the type (general waste or recycling).
The schedule is based on the alternate-week system. Moving out when recycling is collected? Hold on to the general waste until next week, or look for an alternative.
Missing or damaged bins? You may order replacements here: Order or replace bins. Don’t leave it to the next occupant to resolve the problem.
If you have garden waste, please note that an active subscription is required for collection. Access the Waste and Recycling Portal to purchase or renew it. Your garden waste will be left behind if you don’t have a subscription.
Find out what you can put and what not in each bin by accessing the What goes in bins rules. If you don’t get it right, the bins won’t be emptied.
When you move out around a bank holiday, keep in mind that collection dates might change. See if your collections present any changes by checking bank holiday collection dates.
Food caddies are provided in some areas. Did you receive a postcard about it? If you did, consider this aspect when planning the final week.
Important rules to remember:
Don’t put bins out on the wrong week—remember that refuse and recycling run on alternate fortnights. If you get it wrong, there will be no collection.→ Your bins won’t be emptied. → Before you move out, verify the dates at the Waste and Recycling Portal.
Want garden waste collected? Pay £55 per year for the subscription (£49 for additional bins). The service isn’t active over Christmas. Discounts are in place for certain Pension Credit holders→ No subscription means no collection → Buy or renew the service.
If you need different bin sizes, please note that the standard grey bin is 180L. However, households with 6+ people can ask for240L bins with proof. You will pay £41-£49 to replace each lost bin, and you can’t have more than 2 recycling bins per property. → Your request is denied when you don’t provide proof or don’t pay.→ Access MyAccount to order bins and upload eligibility documents.
Missed bin? Access the portal to report the issue—do it after 7 pm on collection day and only if you’ve presented the bins as asked.→ Non-compliant bins are not collected, and incorrect reports won’t succeed. → Report correctly and stick to council guidance.
When you have a food caddy, you don’t need to pay, but it’s only available during the council's rollout. It's collected weekly with your other bins, but only food waste is allowed. You cannot put garden waste, pet waste, or packaging. → The caddie won’t be emptied if you use it incorrectly.→ Verify the start date and use it according to the council’s instructions.
Should you move out during bank holidays or Christmas, remember that collections move to different days (usually the next weekday or Saturday). You can find the changes on the council website. → There will be no collection if you miss the new day. → Verify the current year's holiday changes.
If you place the wrong items in bins, they will be rejected. You also risk a flyer with an explanation. → You will lose the service if you don’t remediate the problem. → Stick to the sorting rules.
Step 3: Getting large items collected
The main official resource: Bulky Waste Collections Booking
Book a special collection for sofas, mattresses, old appliances, or other large items that don't fit in your regular bins. This isn’t something to postpone—advance notice is necessary for the council’s collection service. Plus, you have to stick to strict rules.
Here's what you need to do:
Access the Book Bulky Waste Collection – Online Form to book your collection. Slots fill up quickly, so do it from early on.
List all items you want collected, and review the prices. Even if you only have a small item for the collection, you will still have to pay the minimum charge of £51 per collection. You will pay £27 for each fridge and freezer, and £18 for each other item. You cannot have more than 5 non-fridge items per collection.
Are you a pensioner or registered disabled? You might benefit from a £10 discount. However, it is available only twice per year, and you must provide proof at the time of booking.
Carefully count your items. A three-piece sofa suite counts as 3 items; a bed base and mattress count as 2 items. You will need several collections if you have more than 5 items (or more than 2 fridges/freezers).
On collection day, you must place items outside at the regular bin collection point by 6 am. When you’re in a flat, or access is tricky, mention it in the booking.
Access the Waste and Recycling Portal to track your booking and make any necessary changes.
Important rules to consider:
When you book a collection, keep in mind that you will pay at least £51 per collection. You will pay £27 for each fridge and freezer (but still £51 minimum), and £18 for any other items—no more than 5 items. → You will pay £51 whether you have 1 or 2 items.→ Book online and get all the details about the costs.
Want a discount? Only pensioners and registered disabled people benefit from a £10 discount, but only twice a year—providing proof is mandatory. → You pay full price when you exceed the limit or apply without proof. When booking, tick the eligibility box and have evidence ready.
If you have many items, don’t forget that the maximum per collection is 5 bulky, non-fridge items or 2 fridges/freezers. For instance, a sofa suite counts as 3 items, a bed base plus mattress counts as 2. → You need several bookings if you exceed the limit→ List and group your items correctly.
Items must be accessible--you must place items outside, at the regular collection spot, by 6 am. Inform when booking about access issues for flats or tricky locations.→ If you leave items inside or in an unreachable location, they won’t be collected, and you won’t get a refund. → Place everything in the correct place and inform of any access particularities.
When you're planning collection timing, remember that your collection happens on your usual bin day after booking, within 3 working days of booking confirmation → You will miss the collection if you take the items out too early or too late. → Access the Portal to find out the exact dates.
If you need to change your booking, be aware. Once booked, you cannot cancel or receive a refund. Before you pay, confirm the date. → Once the booking is confirmed, you cannot make any changes.→ Before you pay, check your order once again.
Step 4: Taking items to the recycling centre yourself
The place to start: Household Waste Recycling Centres and Waste Transfer Station
When you don’t want to wait for the collection, take the items to the tip yourself. Slough residents can use the Chalvey HWRC, and strict rules apply regarding accepted items, opening hours, and required documents.
Here's what you need to do:
Access the Find a local waste and recycling centre page to find out the exact address, opening hours, and any current restrictions for your nearest centre.
Before you go, prepare proof of your Slough address and photo ID. The staff may ask you to present them and deny entry if you don’t comply.
Verify if your vehicle can enter the centre. Cars and small vans are fine, but size limits apply--trailers can't be bigger than 1.5m x 0.91m. Plus, vehicles higher than 1.7m can’t use the main tip—they must use the Transfer Station side.
bringing DIY waste? You can’t get more than 4 free visits per month. After that, you will be charged, so plan wisely.
Currently, you cannot bring textiles to Chalvey; please take them to the Burnham/Langley centres or donate them to charity.
Be ready to unload everything yourself or with a friend—the staff won’t help you.
Important rules to remember:
When you're planning your visit, note the opening hours. Chalvey HWRC is open 9 am-5 pm in winter and 9 am-6 pm in summer, with last entry 15 minutes before closing. It's closed on 25 Dec, 26 Dec, and 1 Jan. Burnham/Langley is open 9 am-4 pm → You won’t enter if you arrive too late or on closed days. → Check Before taking the trip, check out the current opening hours and build in a buffer.
If you want to use the tip, keep in mind that only Slough and RBWM residents are allowed. You must bring proof of address and photo ID. trailers can't exceed 1.5m x 0.91m, and walk-ins are not allowed. → No proof means no entry. → Bring your ID and documents and stay in your vehicle.
When you go with a van or pickup, remember that vehicles over 1.7m high cannot use the main HWRC—they must use the Waste Transfer Station. → Your entry is denied, or you get redirected when you use the incorrect vehicle type.→ If you’re in a van, report to the weighbridge office.
If you're bringing DIY waste, keep in mind that you get 4 free access per month (one large item or two bags per visit). You will be charged if you exceed the limit. → Fees apply for frequent or excessive visits.→ Schedule your trips wisely and budget for extra visits.
Want to dispose of textiles? Be aware: at Chalvey HWRC, they’re not accepted temporarily. → Textiles are refused → Donate to charity to take them to other centres.
Stick to site rules—you cannot park outside, children and pets must stay in vehicles, staff doesn't help with unloading, and PPE is only available at the weighbridge → Entry is denied if you don’t comply with the rules→ Stick to all site rules.
Your move-out sequence
This is the order that works best for protecting your deposit refunds:
Removal first. Then: Clean → Photos → Meter reads → Keys last.
Start by clearing your belongings. Then clean thoroughly, take photos for evidence, submit your final meter readings, and hand over the keys last. Keys last: Do not hand over the keys until you've finished the photos/video and meter readings.
This sequence protects you because, once you return the keys, you cannot re-enter the property. If you discover you've missed something or need to take additional photos, you might not be able to get back in.
Local friction points you should know about
These are the common problems that derail many move-outs in Slough:
Slough Borough Council is strict about documentation. If you don’t provide documents or if they are incorrect, permit applications and bin requests get rejected. There's no flexibility here - get your paperwork right the first time.
Bin collection problems are frequent. Bins with sorting errors or excess waste regularly get rejected, and you'll get a flyer explaining what's wrong. Sort your bins correctly.
Bulky waste booking issues cause stress. Last-minute bookings can lead to missed removal dates, and you don’t get a refund after you book the service. Always confirm your collection date and put items out correctly.
HWRC access is strictly controlled. Trying to enter Chalvey HWRC or forgetting your ID results in immediate refusal. The staff is strict about it.
Final week bin problems can affect your deposit. Overfilling bins or presenting them on the wrong day just before moving leaves you liable for any mess. A rejected bin or missed collection day jeopardises your deposit.
Timeline for your move
Here's when to do each task:
- Two to three weeks before moving: At PermitSmarti, submit your applications for parking permits. Allow time for document preparation and processing. Some applications are delayed if you're not eligible or if paperwork is missing.
- One to two weeks before: Access the Waste and Recycling Portal to find out your final bin collection dates. Remember, collections alternate between weeks, so plan accordingly.
- One week before: Book bulky waste collection if necessary. Book at least one week before your usual bin day to guarantee a slot.
- A few days before: Plan your HWRC visits to Chalvey. Bring your ID and proof of address, and remember you're limited to 4 free DIY visits per month.
Cleaning priorities for checkout
Focus your cleaning efforts on these areas that landlords and letting agents scrutinise:
All bins should be empty, properly sorted, and compliant with council rules. Any rejected bins reflect poorly on your tenancy.
The kitchen and bathrooms need deep cleaning. These are the areas that show dirt most obviously and where hygiene matters most.
Remove all food and refuse completely. Don't leave anything that could attract pests or create odours.
Suppose you’re in a shared property with clean communal spaces. Don't leave a mess for other tenants to deal with.
Wipe down all surfaces and appliances so they're ready for the next tenant.
For a detailed strategy, check out our Move-out cleaning checklist.
Your move-out proof folder
Keep evidence of everything you've done to protect your deposit:
Take timestamped, geotagged photos of every cleaned space and appliance.
Record final energy and water meter readings with the date clearly visible. Take photos of the actual meters showing the readings.
Store receipts or booking confirmations for any council waste services you've used. This proves you've disposed of items correctly.
Keys last: Do not hand over the keys until you've finished the photos/video and meter readings.
Common scenarios and how to handle them
Living in a managed block or flat
The situation: You're not sure where to put bins or bulky waste for collection from your flat.
What to do: Contact your building management or concierge first to understand the collection arrangements. Then confirm the exact collection point and access details when making your booking with the council.
What goes wrong: Items left inside the building or not at the agreed collection point won’t be collected by Slough Borough Council.
How to fix it: If you missed the collection, Contact Environmental Services to find your options.
House move with lots of large items
The situation: You have multiple large items, such as sofas, white goods, and furniture, that won't fit in your car or standard bins.
What to do: Use Book Bulky Waste Collection and list all your items carefully. Remember there's a 5-item limit per collection—several bookings may be necessary.
What goes wrong: Not moving items to the correct outside location by 6 am on collection day means they won't be collected, and there will be no refund.
How to fix it: You'll need to rebook and pay the charges again.
Short-notice move-out
The situation: You've got a sudden notice and only 48 hours to clear everything out.
What to do: Access the Waste and Recycling Portal to see when your next bin collection day is. Try to book Bulky Waste Collections if slots are available, and prepare for HWRC visits with your ID ready.
What goes wrong: If you miss all the official disposal dates and leave rubbish behind, or resort to fly-tipping, you risk enforcement actions from the Slough Borough Council.
How to fix it: If you've missed official collection dates, Contact Environmental Services directly for guidance on your alternatives.
What could go wrong
Here are the most common problems and how to recover from them:
- Missing parking permit documents → The Slough Borough Council rejects your application→ Gather all required proof of address and V5C documents before reapplying through PermitSmarti.
- Wrong items in bins during final week → Bins aren’t emptied → Check the sorting rules immediately and put bins out correctly on the next collection day.
- Bulky waste collection booked too late → You don’t find available slots before moving day→ Try the HWRC route with proper ID, or contact Environmental Services for emergency options.
- Arriving at HWRC without proper ID → Entry at Chalvey recycling centre is denied. → Return with Slough address proof and photo ID during opening hours.
- Overfilling bins just before moving → Collection refused, rubbish isn’t picked up → Book emergency bulky waste collection or make multiple HWRC trips.
- Forgetting garden waste subscription → Garden waste isn’t collected → Renew subscription quickly or take garden waste to HWRC yourself.
- Bay suspension not approved in time →Parking ticket is issued for the removal van→ Pay any fines and apply for dispensations earlier next time.
- Taking textiles to Chalvey HWRC → Currently, these items are not accepted→ Take textiles to Burnham/Langley centres or donate to charity shops.
Official Slough resources
Authority portals
These are the main hub pages where you can understand what services are available and who's responsible:
- All parking services: Parking and Permits Hub
- Waste and recycling overview: Bins, Waste and Recycling Service Hub
- Large item removal: Bulky Waste Collections Booking
- Recycling centre information: Household Waste Recycling Centres and Waste Transfer Station
Service tools and specific pages
Parking:
- PermitSmarti – Apply/manage all permits – residents, business, visitor, dispensation
- Parking Permits Cost and Fees – charges and eligibility
- Parking permit T&Cs – required documentation
Waste collection:
- Check your bin collection day – next and future collection dates
- Order/replace bins – request new or replacements
- Garden waste subscription – book/renew service
- Missed bins reporting – log after 7 pm
- What goes in bins – sorting guide
- Holiday bin date changes – see current updates
Bulky waste:
- Book Bulky Waste Collection – Online Form – schedule removal, pay by item
- Waste and Recycling Portal – manage bookings
Recycling centre:
- Find HWRC – addresses, hours
- Chalvey HWRC Opening Hours
- Access rules for Chalvey HWRC
- Household items accepted/limits
- Waste Transfer Station safety guidance
General:
- Contact Environmental Services for queries/escalations.