Garden Waste Skip Hire: Costs, Sizes, and What Counts as Green Waste
The Green Waste Cost Saving Most People Miss
If your skip will contain only garden waste (grass, branches, hedge trimmings, plants) with no soil, rubble, or general household waste, ask for a green waste-only price. Clean green waste is cheaper for skip companies to process because it can go straight to composting rather than mixed waste facilities. The saving is typically 10-20%, or £15-35 on a standard 4-yard skip.
What Counts as Garden Waste?
Green Waste (accepted in garden skips)
- Grass cuttings and lawn waste
- Hedge and shrub trimmings
- Branches and twigs (under 6 inches diameter)
- Weeds and plant waste
- Leaves and leaf mould
- Flowers and bedding plants
- Garden pot contents (without pots)
Not Green Waste (goes in general/mixed skip)
- Soil and turf (heavy, separate pricing)
- Tree trunks over 6 inches diameter
- Treated or painted wood
- Garden furniture (plastic/metal)
- Plant pots (plastic or terracotta)
- Garden tools or equipment
- Rocks and stones
Best Skip Size for Garden Projects
Annual tidy-up, hedge trimming, modest quantities of garden waste. Good for a 2-3 hour clearout.
Full garden clearout, large hedge removal, replacing all bedding. The most popular size for garden projects.
Major landscaping with decking removal, old fencing, significant planting removal. Includes soil within weight limits.
Soil is Heavy: Read This Before Ordering
One cubic metre of soil weighs approximately 1,500kg (1.5 tonnes). A standard 2-yard mini skip has a heavy material weight limit of around 200kg - that is roughly 4 standard wheelbarrow loads of soil. The skip will appear barely touched while already being at its weight limit.
Always tell your skip hire company if you are disposing of soil. They may offer a soil-only skip at different pricing, restrict your volume, or advise on the right size to avoid overweight surcharges (typically £50-150 if you exceed the limit).
Seasonal Pricing: When to Book for Best Value
Free and Cheap Alternatives for Garden Waste
- Council green bin: Most councils collect garden waste fortnightly (subscription £40-65/year for a second bin). Free for basics, but slow for large volumes.
- Household waste recycling centre (the tip): Free for residents with a car. Some councils restrict van or trailer access. Good for several carloads.
- Home composting: Grass, leaves, and soft plant material compost well. Not suitable for woody material or diseased plants.
- Council garden waste collection service: Some councils offer on-demand or scheduled large collections. Check your council's website.
- Community skip events: Some councils organise periodic free skip days for residents. Sign up to local council newsletters to be notified.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a garden waste skip cost?
A 4-yard midi skip for garden waste costs £100-180 nationally, or £145-235 in London. Green waste-only skips (no soil or rubble) can be 10-20% cheaper than mixed waste skips because clean green waste is cheaper to process and recycle. For small seasonal clearouts, a 2-yard mini skip at £70-120 is usually sufficient.
Can you put soil in a skip?
Yes, but soil is very heavy. One cubic metre of soil weighs approximately 1.5 tonnes. A standard 2-yard mini skip has a weight limit of around 200-500kg for heavy materials, meaning it can only hold a small amount of soil before it hits the limit despite appearing half-empty. Always tell your skip company if you will be filling with soil, as they may price it differently or restrict the volume. Soil-only skips are sometimes available at lower rates.
Is skip hire cheaper in winter for garden waste?
Yes, typically 15-25% cheaper. Spring (March-May) and summer (June-August) are peak season for garden waste skip hire as renovation and landscaping projects peak. Autumn (September-November) sees another minor spike around garden clearouts. Winter (December-February) is the cheapest time, with some companies offering promotional rates. If your project is flexible, booking in late autumn or early winter can save £20-50 on a 4-yard skip.