Does Free Disposal Include Dismantling?
- lisa A
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
So you booked your town council’s free bulky item removal. You left your massive IKEA wardrobe at the designated spot. But then—nothing. It’s still there the next day. Why?
One word: dismantling.
At Junk Value, we get messages all the time from frustrated residents who expected a smooth collection, only to be told: "We dont provide free disposal services" or "we charge for dismantling services."
Let’s break down why most "free disposal" services in Singapore don’t include dismantling, what you’re responsible for, and what to do when you’re stuck with a bulky item nobody wants to touch.
🪑 Old junk lying around?
WhatsApp Junk Value at +65 9145 9514 to book and get $10 off your pickup!👉 https://bit.ly/44F4CBU
Town council bulky item removal is a great public service. But it's limited in scope. Here's what most HDB town councils typically provide:
✅ Will Collect:
Lightweight items: chairs, small tables
Flat-packed furniture
Mattresses (sometimes)
Portable appliances
❌ Won’t Collect Unless Dismantled:
Wardrobes
Bedframes
Shelving units
Large L-shaped sofas
Built-in cabinets
The general rule? If two workers can't lift it safely, it’s either your job to dismantle it first, or it won’t be collected at all.
Time & Safety: Town council staff can only spend a limited time at each block. Dismantling a massive bed frame or wall unit adds risk and delays.
Tools & Manpower: They don’t carry tools or offer manpower beyond basic lifting. If something needs unscrewing or sawing, it’s not their job.
Scope of Service: Their free collection service is meant for bulk removal, not labour-intensive work. Think of it more like a free transport service—not a moving crew.
🧶 Common Items That Get Rejected
We frequently get called for items the town council left behind. The most common culprits:
3-door wardrobes that haven’t been taken apart
Bedframes with slats still attached
Bookshelves over 1.8m tall
TV consoles with glass doors
Modular sofas that don’t separate easily
If it’s bulky, heavy, or awkward to grip, assume it needs dismantling before collection.
🪑 Old junk lying around?
WhatsApp Junk Value at +65 9145 9514 to book and get $10 off your pickup!👉 https://bit.ly/44F4CBU
If you’re handy with tools and have the time, go for it. Most modern furniture (like IKEA, FortyTwo, or Courts) is designed to be unscrewed and flat-packed again.
But here’s where it gets tricky:
Old furniture may splinter or fall apart during dismantling
Built-in carpentry may require hacksaws or drills
If you injure yourself or damage shared property, you’re liable
So unless you’re confident, it may be safer to call in help.
🚤 When to Call Junk Value
If you:
Don’t have tools or help
Are clearing out multiple bulky items
Tried and failed with free services
Need fast removal (e.g. moving out, selling flat)
✅ That’s when Junk Value steps in. We offer:
On-site dismantling of wardrobes, beds, sofas, shelves
Loading and disposal done same day
No hidden fees or stair charges (quote upfront)
Eco-sorting so usable parts aren’t wasted
We handle all the frustrating bits so you don’t have to beg the town council or injure yourself with a screwdriver.
Leaving dismantled or oversized items at the void deck or beside the bin chute can be considered illegal dumping if not collected. You risk:
Fines of up to $2,000
Warnings from town council
Neighbour complaints
Even if you booked free collection, if your item doesn’t meet their rules, you’re still responsible.
🪑 Old junk lying around?
WhatsApp Junk Value at +65 9145 9514 to book and get $10 off your pickup!👉 https://bit.ly/44F4CBU
If you’re staring at a bulky cabinet or stuck bedframe, don’t wait for it to rot in the corridor.
WhatsApp Junk Value at +65 9145 9514 — or visit junk-value.net for fast, affordable help.
We operate islandwide, 10am to 6pm daily.
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