I contacted Middlesbrough Council's environmental department to arrange for the safe disposal of an old television.

The TV was outside my front door at the top of a short flight of outside stairs as I live in a first floor flat.

I was advised the TV would have to be put on the ground floor which I explained was not possible as I suffer from RSI and my neighbours are either elderly or incapacitated themselves.

At this point the person on the other end of the telephone just pointed out it is a free service.

Can someone please explain how a service provided by Middlesbrough Council, which I pay for through my council tax, is free?