Before jumping into any home improvement job, I keep thinking about how much time most people actually spend planning their waste removal. Like, it’s pretty easy to get stuck on buying materials, and organising the work around it, but then the “getting rid of” part old furniture, plaster bits, timber offcuts, bricks, packaging, and all that other stuff can suddenly get messy if it’s not worked out properly. 

For anyone who has done renovations or full property clearances, what seemed to work the best in real life? Did you estimate the waste volume early on, or did you end up improvising as things moved along? I’m also curious if separating recyclable materials from general waste made the whole process smoother, or maybe even quicker, not just in theory.

Were there any surprises along the way, like limited space, awkward access for collections, or items that needed special disposal arrangements? Looking back, is there anything you would change if you had to plan the same project again, even if it was “fine” the first time?

I’m really hoping to hear from actual experiences and practical advice, rather than generic recommendations. Things like tips for staying organised, avoiding unnecessary trips, and generally making waste management less of a headache would be appreciated by anyone getting ready for a home improvement project.