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Quick Answer
Garden waste removal in the UK in 2026 costs between 120 and 200 per tonne including transport and disposal. For a typical family garden clearance producing 1 to 2 tonnes, expect 120 to 400. For larger clearances producing 4 to 6 tonnes, expect 480 to 1,200.
Garden waste removal options
Man with van (per tonne): 120 to 200
Skip hire (6 yard): 200 to 350
Hippobag (1 tonne megabag): 150 to 200
Council green waste bin (annual): 60 to 100
Trip to council tip (free but time): 0
What Affects the Cost of Garden Waste Removal
Volume of waste
The biggest factor. Waste is charged per tonne. A standard family garden clearance produces 1 to 2 tonnes. A heavy clearance of a neglected garden can produce 4 to 6 tonnes.
Type of waste
Green waste (leaves, grass, branches) is cheapest to dispose of. Mixed waste (green waste plus soil, rubble, timber) is more expensive because it has to be sorted. Soil and rubble are classed as inert waste and are cheaper per tonne but heavier.
Access
If we can get a tipper truck to the garden, loading is quick. If waste has to be barrowed through the house or up a long path, loading takes longer and costs more.
Distance to the disposal site
The further the garden is from a licensed disposal site, the higher the transport cost. In the Chilterns, most gardens are within 20 minutes of a disposal site, so transport is not a major factor.
Waste Removal Options Compared
Man with van (us)
We bring a tipper truck, load the waste, and take it to a licensed disposal site. You get a record of the disposal. Cost: 120 to 200 per tonne. Best for: any clearance where you want us to handle everything.
Skip hire
You hire a skip, we fill it, the skip company collects it. Cost: 200 to 350 for a 6 yard skip (holds about 3 tonnes). You need a permit if the skip goes on the road (30 to 80). Best for: large clearances where you have space for a skip.
Hippobag
A large bag you fill yourself, then a company collects it. Cost: 150 to 200 for a 1 tonne megabag. Best for: small clearances where you want to do the loading yourself.
Council green waste bin
An annual subscription to your council green waste scheme. Cost: 60 to 100 per year. Best for: ongoing light waste from regular maintenance. Too slow for clearance work.
Trip to the council tip
Free for household waste, but most tips limit you to 6 bags per visit. A typical clearance produces 20 to 40 bags. That means 4 to 7 trips. Best for: small clearances if you have a car and time.
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How to Reduce Waste Removal Costs
Have a bonfire
Burning dry woody waste is still allowed in most areas (check local rules). A bonfire can reduce 2 tonnes of bramble cuttings to a bucket of ash. Best done in late autumn or winter when neighbours have windows shut.
Compost at home
Leaves, grass clippings and soft green waste can be composted. A compost heap or bin takes 6 to 12 months to break down, but the result is free compost for the garden. See our compost guide.
Chip woody waste
Branches and woody cuttings can be chipped and used as mulch. We can bring a chipper for an additional 100 to 200 per day.
Separate soil and rubble
Soil and rubble are classed as inert waste and are cheaper to dispose of (80 to 120 per tonne) than green waste. If you have a mixed clearance, separating soil and rubble saves money.
What Is Included in Our Waste Removal
- Loading all waste into our tipper truck
- Transport to a licensed disposal facility
- Disposal fee
- Record of disposal
We remove all types of garden waste: green waste, soil, rubble, timber, fencing, shed material. We do not remove asbestos, chemicals or hazardous waste.
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Get a Waste Removal Quote
If you have garden waste that needs removing, contact us on WhatsApp with an estimate of the volume (in bags, tonnes or bin loads) and we will give you a price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put garden waste in my black bin?
No. Most councils do not accept garden waste in the general waste bin. You need a green waste bin, a trip to the tip, or a paid removal service.
How much waste does a typical clearance produce?
A small garden clearance produces 0.5 to 1 tonne. A medium garden produces 1 to 3 tonnes. A large garden clearance can produce 4 to 6 tonnes or more.
Do you give me proof of disposal?
Yes. We provide a record of disposal for every load. This is your proof that the waste was disposed of legally.
Further Reading
- How much does garden clearance cost?
- Garden waste removal costs (this guide)
- DIY vs professional garden clearance
When budgeting for garden work on mature properties, allow a contingency for unexpected issues such as buried rubble, old foundations or drainage problems that only become visible during the work.
Put this advice into practice
Use the relevant CGM tool or follow a related guide, then send us a few photos if you would like a tailored plan.
Sources and citations
This article draws on the following sources. Specific claims are cited inline where relevant.
- CGM field records (2025-02. Site observations from gardens across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Bedfordshire.
- Royal Horticultural Society (2024). RHS Gardening Advice and Plant Finder. Available at rhs.org.uk.
- Met Office (2024). Regional climate averages, South East England. Available at metoffice.gov.uk.
- British Geological Survey (2024). Soil parent material data for the Chilterns and Thames Valley. Available at bgs.ac.uk.