How Much Does It Cost to Get Rid of Green Waste?

The cost to get rid of green waste depends on the method used. Council collections cost around £40–£70 per year, skip hire ranges from £150–£450+, and professional collection services start at £60. Taking waste to a recycling centre is often free, while home composting is the most cost-effective option.

Green waste is a natural by-product of maintaining gardens, outdoor spaces, and landscaping projects. Whether you are trimming hedges, cutting the lawn, pruning trees, or clearing a garden after the winter months, you will likely generate a significant amount of garden debris. Knowing how to dispose of this waste properly – and how much it might cost – is essential for homeowners, gardeners, and businesses alike.

Understanding the cost of green waste removal depends on several factors, such as the volume of waste, your location, and the method of disposal you choose. This detailed guide will explain everything you need to know about green waste, disposal options, and what you can expect to pay.

What is Green Waste?

Green waste, also known as garden waste or organic yard waste, consists of biodegradable materials generated through gardening, landscaping, and outdoor maintenance. It includes:

Grass clippings and lawn cuttings
Hedge trimmings and plant clippings
Weeds and unwanted plants
Fallen leaves
Branches and small tree limbs
Dead flowers and plants
Soil, turf, and compost (in small amounts)

Unlike general household waste, green waste can often be recycled and turned into compost, mulch, or biomass fuel, making it more environmentally friendly to dispose of correctly.

Why Proper Green Waste Disposal Matters

Improper disposal of green waste can cause various problems. If you dump it in your household bin, it could lead to overflowing waste and fines from your local council. Leaving piles of garden waste to rot can also attract pests, produce unpleasant odours, and even become a fire hazard.

Here’s why you should dispose of green waste responsibly:

Environmental Benefits: When disposed of correctly, green waste can be recycled and reused to create nutrient-rich compost or renewable energy sources.
Legal Compliance: Many councils have strict regulations regarding green waste disposal. Dumping it in the wrong place can result in fines.
Pest Control: Proper disposal prevents rats, insects, and other pests from nesting in piles of garden debris.
Garden Health: Removing old plant material and weeds helps maintain a clean and healthy garden space.
Aesthetic Appeal: Regular green waste removal keeps your outdoor areas looking neat and tidy.

By managing your garden waste responsibly, you are not only protecting the environment but also ensuring your property remains safe and visually appealing.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Green Waste Removal

The cost of getting rid of green waste varies depending on several factors. Understanding these will help you budget accurately and choose the most suitable disposal method.

Volume and Weight of Waste

The more green waste you have, the higher the cost will be. Large amounts of heavy branches, soil, or turf will naturally cost more to collect and dispose of compared to lightweight materials such as grass clippings or leaves.

Many professional collection services charge by volume (measured in cubic yards or cubic metres) or by weight (kilograms or tonnes).

Type of Green Waste

Certain types of green waste are easier and cheaper to process than others. For example, soft waste, such as leaves and grass, is straightforward to compost, whereas branches, tree stumps, and mixed soil require specialised equipment for processing, which can increase costs.

Location

Where you live will also affect the cost. Urban areas, where disposal services are in high demand, may have higher rates compared to rural locations. Additionally, travel distance can affect fuel costs for collection services.

Disposal Method Chosen

There are several ways to dispose of green waste, and each method comes with different price points. For example:

Local council collection services may be cheaper or even free.
Hiring a skip is more expensive but convenient for large-scale garden clearances.
Professional green waste removal companies provide hassle-free solutions but come at a premium price.

Frequency of Collection

If you require regular green waste removal, you can secure a subscription or ongoing service at a reduced rate compared to one-off collections.

Green Waste Disposal Options and Their Costs

There are multiple ways to dispose of green waste, each with different benefits and costs. Below are the most common options available in the UK.

Local Council Green Waste Collection

Many councils across the UK offer garden waste collection services. These usually involve a green wheelie bin that is collected on a scheduled basis, similar to regular household waste.

Cost: Typically ranges from £40 to £70 per year, depending on the council and collection frequency.
Best for: Households with a small to moderate amount of regular garden waste.

Keep in mind that most councils do not accept soil, rubble, or large branches in their green waste bins so that you may need another solution for these items.

Taking Green Waste to a Local Recycling Centre

If you have a vehicle and the time, you can take your green waste to your nearest recycling centre or tip. Many of these facilities accept garden waste for free or at a minimal cost.

Cost: Usually free, but you may need to pay for fuel and heavy-duty bags for garden waste.
Best for: Homeowners who only need occasional disposal and can transport the waste themselves.

This is one of the most affordable methods, but it can be inconvenient, especially if you have a large amount of waste or limited transportation.

Hiring a Skip for Garden Waste

If you’re undertaking a major garden clearance or landscaping project, hiring a skip can be an efficient solution. Skips come in various sizes, from small 4-yard skips to large 12-yard ones.

Cost:

Small skip: £150–£200
Medium skip: £200–£300
Large skip: £300–£450+
- Best for: Big jobs involving tree removal, turf replacement, or large amounts of mixed garden debris.

Be aware that you may need a permit if the skip is placed on a public road, which can add to the cost.

Professional Green Waste Collection Services

Hiring a professional service is one of the most convenient options. Waste Collectors will come to your property, collect all your green waste, and ensure it is disposed of responsibly.

Cost:

Small collection: £60–£100
Medium collection: £100–£150
Large collection: £150–£250+

This option saves time, eliminates the need for heavy lifting, and provides peace of mind knowing your waste is managed in compliance with environmental regulations.

Home Composting

If you want a cost-effective and eco-friendly option, consider composting some of your garden waste at home. Items such as grass cuttings, leaves, and plant trimmings can be turned into nutrient-rich compost for your garden.

Cost: Minimal – mainly the cost of a compost bin, which ranges from £20 to £80.
Best for: Regular gardeners who want to recycle waste and improve soil quality.

However, this method is not suitable for large branches, diseased plants, or weeds that spread quickly.

Average Cost Guide for Green Waste Disposal

To help you budget more effectively, here’s a rough guide to typical costs:

Disposal Method	Average Cost	Best For
Local council collection	£40 – £70 per year	Regular small to medium amounts of waste
Recycling centre drop-off	Free – £10 (fuel costs)	Occasional, small amounts of waste
Skip hire (small)	£150 – £200	Garden clearance and landscaping projects
Skip hire (large)	£300 – £450+	Large projects with heavy waste
Professional collection service	£60 – £250+	Hassle-free, convenient disposal
Home composting	£20 – £80 (one-off)	Sustainable, ongoing recycling

Keep in mind that these figures are approximate and may vary depending on your location and the company you choose.

Tips to Reduce Green Waste Disposal Costs

Green waste disposal doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some ways to keep costs low:

Compost at Home: Reduce the amount of waste needing collection by composting what you can.
Share a Skip with Neighbours: Split the cost of a skip hire by teaming up with neighbours doing garden projects at the same time.
Bundle Branches Neatly: Compact your waste as much as possible to reduce collection volume and save money.
Use Council Services: Take advantage of council green waste bins and free recycling centres whenever possible.
Book in Advance: Some professional services offer discounts for early bookings or regular scheduled collections.

Final Thoughts

The cost of getting rid of green waste depends on the size of the job, the type of waste, and the disposal method you choose. From free recycling centres to premium professional services, there are options to suit every budget.

For those who value convenience and want to ensure their garden waste is handled responsibly, hiring a professional service like Waste Collectors is a worthwhile investment. Not only will it save you time and effort, but it also ensures compliance with environmental regulations and contributes to a cleaner, greener future.

Whether you opt for a DIY approach, a local council collection, or a full-service professional solution, understanding the costs and options available will help you make the best decision for your home or business.