The easier way to book quality trades

Download app

Garden waste can build up quickly, especially after mowing, pruning, hedge cutting or a bigger garden project. A few bags of clippings can soon become a much bigger pile than expected.

If you already have waste ready to remove, you may be able to use council collection, skip hire or a waste removal company with a van.

We explain the typical garden waste removal costs for the various options available, what affects the price, and how to choose the best solution for your needs.

How much does garden waste removal cost?

Garden waste removal can cost nothing through some local council services, or around £250 for skip hire, depending on the removal method and amount of waste.

An independent garden waste removal company with a van costs around £180 on average.

The best option normally depends on what you need removed. Council collection can be ideal for regular green waste, while van collection or skip hire may be better for larger amounts or mixed garden waste.

Get a quote for garden waste removal near you

For a clear idea of garden waste removal costs where you live, it's a good idea to request quotes from a selection of waste removal services that operate in your local area.

A quote should confirm what waste can be taken, whether it needs to be bagged first, and whether the price is based on volume, weight or load size.

Garden waste removal costs at a glance

• Independent company with a van: around £180

• Local council garden waste collection: free or £55 per year

• Skip hire: around £250

• Garden clearance: around £52.50 per hour

• Garden clearance per load: around £210

What counts as garden waste?

Garden waste usually means organic green waste from your garden. This can include:

• Grass cuttings

• Leaves

• Weeds

• Flowers

• Small branches

• Hedge cuttings

• Prunings

Some people also use 'garden waste' to describe broken garden furniture, old fence panels, cracked pots, damaged decking or collapsed sheds.

These are not always classed as green waste, so you’ll need to check whether your chosen removal service can take them before you book.

Garden waste removal methods and costs

Garden waste can feel overwhelming, but the good news is, there are several options for getting rid of garden waste quickly and efficiently. The right option simply depends on the amount and type of waste you have.

Local council garden waste collection

Council garden waste collection is often the cheapest option for regular green waste. Take a look at your council’s website to discover the costs in your area.

• Typical cost: free or £40–£70 per year

• Average cost: free or £55 per year

This usually suits smaller, regular amounts of green waste such as grass cuttings, leaves and hedge clippings.

Independent company with a van

A waste removal company with a van can be a good option if you have a larger amount of waste and want it taken away in one go.

Some companies will bag up the waste for you, but they won’t do the gardening or prepare it in any other way.

• Typical cost: £70–£290

• Average cost: £180

This can work well after a garden tidy, pruning work or a small outdoor project. Prices vary depending on the size and weight of the waste.

Skip hire

Skip hire can be useful if you have a lot of waste, heavy materials, or mixed household and garden waste.

• Typical cost: £150–£350

• Average cost: £250

You’ll usually need to load the skip yourself, so it’s worth considering how heavy or awkward the waste is.

Skip hire prices vary depending on the size of the skip and how long you need it for.

Garden clearance service

If the waste still needs cutting back, gathering or bagging, you may need garden clearance rather than simple waste removal.

• Typical cost: £45–£60 per hour

• Average cost: £52.50 per hour

Per-load, garden clearance averages around £210.

What affects garden waste removal cost?

The cost of garden waste removal largely depends on the waste itself and how easy it is to collect.

The main cost factors include:

• Removal method: Council collection, skip hire and van removal all sit at different price points

• Type of waste: Green waste usually costs less to remove than bulky or mixed waste

• Weight: Soil, rubble and wet waste can be heavier and more expensive to move

• Volume: Large amounts of light waste may still take up a lot of van or skip space

• Access: Poor access can make loading slower and more expensive

• Preparation: Waste that is already cut down and bagged is usually easier to collect

On Checkatrade, you'll only find trades who meet our high standards and pass up to 12 checks.

Additional costs to budget for

Garden waste removal can sometimes involve a few extra costs depending on the situation.

Some additional costs to bear in mind include:

• Bagging loose waste

• Cutting large branches into smaller pieces

• Dismantling bulky items

• Removing non-green waste

• Skip permits where needed

• Extra collections or repeat visits

• Heavy waste charges

Not all waste removal services will take every type of garden waste, so it’s worth checking before you book.

What should be included in a garden waste removal quote?

A clear quote for garden waste removal should explain what will be removed and how the price has been calculated.

A typical quote should include:

• Type of waste accepted

• Collection method

• Whether waste needs to be bagged

• Labour for loading

• Disposal costs

• Whether the price is based on weight, volume or load

• Any exclusions

• Confirmation of legal disposal

We check the reviews on Checkatrade are from real people, and that trades meet our high standards.

How long does garden waste removal take?

Garden waste removal is usually quicker than full garden clearance if the waste is already prepared and ready to go.

Small collections may be completed quickly, while larger loads, poor access or heavy waste may take longer.

If you’re using a council collection service, the timescale will depend on your local collection schedule.

Garden waste removal cost calculator

Our cost calculator is a helpful way to understand the likely cost before reaching out to local companies for quotes.

To estimate the cost of garden waste removal, you’ll need to think about how much waste you have, whether it's green waste or mixed waste, whether it's already bagged, its weight, and whether you need one-off or regular collection.

Job Estimate Calculator

Get Started

Step 0/3

This calculator provides a guide price only, not a quote. For an accurate price, ask a local waste removal service to provide a written quote outlining what they can collect and how much it will cost.

Can you remove garden waste yourself?

You can absolutely remove garden waste yourself if you have the time, transport and access to a local tip.

This can work well for small amounts, but bear in mind garden waste often takes up more space than expected once it's been cut down and bagged. Loose grass, wet leaves and soil can also make a mess in the car (which, in turn, creates another job to do).

Hiring a garden waste removal service can save time, effort and repeated trips, especially if you have a large amount of waste or bulky items.

Garden waste removal cost checklist

• Check whether your waste is green waste or mixed waste

• Ask your council about garden waste collection

• Decide whether you need one-off or regular removal

• Bag waste where possible

• Cut large branches into smaller pieces

• Check whether heavy waste will cost more

• Compare local garden waste removal quotes

• Make sure the waste will be disposed of legally

When should you speak to a garden waste removal service?

It’s worth speaking to a garden waste removal service if you have more waste than your council bin can handle, need a one-off collection, or have bulky items that can’t go in a normal garden waste bin.

A checked local service can help you choose the most practical option, whether that’s van collection, skip hire or full garden clearance.

Find garden waste removal near you

Comparing a handful of local garden waste removal services is the best way to understand the going rate in your area.

A reputable company should explain what they can take, how the waste will be collected and disposed of, and what's included in the quote.

FAQs

How much does it cost to remove garden waste?

Garden waste removal costs around £180 on average with an independent company and van. Council collection may be free or £40–£70 per year, while skip hire ranges from £150–£350.

What is the best way to get rid of garden waste?

The best way to remove garden waste depends on how much waste you have. Council collection is usually best for regular green waste, while van collection or skip hire can work better for larger one-off loads.

What is the cheapest way to get rid of garden waste?

Council garden waste collection is often the cheapest option, where available. Council collection may either be free or £40–£70 per year.

Can I put fallen apples in my garden waste bin?

Some councils accept fallen fruit in garden waste bins, but rules vary by area. Check your local council’s guidance before putting fallen apples or other food-like waste in the bin.

Is composting a good way to remove garden waste?

Composting can be a good option if you only have green waste and enough space for a compost bin. It’s a low-cost and environmentally friendly way to deal with leaves, grass cuttings and some plant waste. The downside is that composting takes time, and it won’t help with bulky, non-organic or urgent waste removal.

Can I put garden waste in a general waste bin?

It depends on your local council’s rules, but garden waste is often collected separately from general waste. Using a garden waste bin or taking it to a local recycling centre is usually the better option.

Is it illegal to burn garden waste in your own garden?

Burning garden waste is not always illegal, but smoke nuisance rules may apply and local restrictions can vary. It’s usually better to use council collection, composting or a licensed waste removal service.

Is it legal to dump garden waste?

Dumping garden waste on public land, private land without permission, woodland, verges or fields can count as fly-tipping.

Can I take garden waste to the local tip?

Yes, in many areas you can take garden waste to the tip. Local recycling centres often accept garden waste, but rules, limits and vehicle restrictions vary, so check with your council first.

What is the best way to cut up garden waste?

Cut branches and hedge trimmings into smaller pieces so they fit into bags, bins or skips more easily. Keep sharp or thorny waste separate where possible to make handling safer.

Should I remove garden waste in the spring?

You can remove garden waste any time of the year, but spring tends to be the most popular. In fact, if you want to get your garden under control and ready to enjoy during the summer, then the best time for garden waste removal is early spring.

Checkatrade

Follow us

More Waste Clearance Articles

Gardener costs: What are UK average prices in 2026 ?

Garden clearance costs in the UK in 2026

How much does grass cutting cost in 2026?

View all