Utility companies in the U.K. have been privatized, so homeowners and renters have more of a choice when it comes to services and prices; however, most areas are usually only serviced by one water company.

There are a number of energy companies that supply both gas and electricity. Some of the larger, more popular energy companies include:

British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk), +44 (0)845 600 6113

EDF Energy (www.edfenergy.com), +44 (0)800 056 5927

Sainsbury's Energy (www.sainsburysenergy.com), +44 (0)800 051 1646

Southern Electric (www.southern-electric.co.uk), +44 (0)800 117 116

Companies that just provide electricity include:

Ecotricity (www.ecotricity.co.uk), +44 (0)845 555 7 100

Green Energy UK (www.greenenergy.uk.com), +44 (0)845 456 9550

London's tap water is perfectly safe to drink. Depending on the area of London in which you live, water is supplied by one of two main companies:

Thames Water (www.thameswater.co.uk)

Three Valleys Water (www.3valleys.co.uk)

A useful site for finding out which companies supply within a certain area and for comparing the services and prices of these companies is www.uswitch.com.

Each local council provides a rubbish and recycling collection service, either weekly or bi-weekly. Large items and appliances should be arranged to be collected by the local council; this service costs extra and can be arranged with the environmental department of the local council.

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