Rubbish removal costs: what you need to know

• Rubbish removal per project: £75 to £595+, average £335 

• Man and van (per hour): £60 to £100+, average £80 

• Skip hire (per week): £60 to £800+, average £430 

• Individual items (e.g. fridge freezers): £15 to £100+ 

General rubbish removal is an essential service for managing waste, whether clearing out a home, handling construction debris, or disposing of old appliances. 

Prices for rubbish removal vary widely depending on the type and volume of waste, as well as the service you choose. 

In the UK, you can expect to pay between £75 and £595+ for rubbish removal services, or opt for other methods like skip hire or a man and van service. 

This guide will explore rubbish removal options, what factors influence the cost, and tips to save money. 

Data for this guide was collected in January 2025 from industry sources. 

Below, you’ll find what you can expect to pay for different types of rubbish removal services. 

Costs accurate as of January 2025 

Rubbish removal (per project) 

Clearing out unwanted rubbish can be a daunting task, but a professional rubbish removal service makes it simple and stress-free. 

Whether it's a small pile of waste or a full house clearance, you can expect costs to range from £75 to £595+, with the average being around £335. 

This service is perfect for tackling clutter quickly and efficiently. 

Labour cost (per hour) 

Hiring a professional for rubbish removal typically averages £75 per hour. This covers the expertise and physical effort involved in safely removing your waste. 

It’s a handy option when you have a big job or need help lifting heavier items. 

By volume (per cubic yard) 

When rubbish is priced by volume, you’re generally looking at around £75 per cubic yard. 

This method ensures you only pay for the space your waste takes up, making it an ideal choice for jobs where the quantity of rubbish isn’t immediately clear. 

Skip hire (per week) 

For those tackling larger projects or needing time to sort through waste, hiring a skip is a convenient solution. 

Costs range from £60 for smaller skips to £800+ for the largest, with an average price of £430. This option gives you the flexibility to dispose of waste at your own pace. 

For more on what you’ll need to pay, read our guide on the cost of hiring a skip. 

Man and van (per hour) 

A man and van service is great for quick rubbish removal or small moves, costing between £60 and £100+ per hour. 

The average price of £80 makes it an affordable and efficient choice when you need a hand with heavier loads or multiple trips. 

Below, you’ll find the cost of removing different types of items and rubbish. 

Costs accurate as of January 2025 

TVs 

Got an old TV gathering dust?  

Professional rubbish removal services can dispose of it for you, with costs typically ranging from £15 to £45+ per TV. 

The average cost is around £30, making it an affordable way to clear out your tech responsibly. 

Monitors 

Disposing of old monitors can be tricky, but professional removal ensures they’re dealt with safely and sustainably. 

Prices are similar to TVs, ranging from £15 to £45+, with an average cost of £30. 

Home fridge freezers 

Fridge freezers are bulky and difficult to dispose of, but professionals can handle the job for £30 to £80+. 

With an average cost of £55, you can avoid the hassle of removing this heavy appliance yourself. 

Washing machines and dryers 

Replacing an old washing machine or dryer?  

Removal costs typically fall between £35 and £60+, with an average price of £47.50. It’s a small price to pay for real convenience. 

Mattresses 

Mattresses are notoriously awkward to get rid of, but professional services will take care of it for you. 

Prices range from £25 to £100+ depending on the size and condition, with an average cost of £62.50. 

Bulbs and fluorescent tubes 

Disposing of light bulbs or fluorescent tubes can be delicate work.  

With costs as low as £2.50+ per item, removal services are an inexpensive way to safely get rid of these items. 

Air conditioning units 

Air conditioning units are tricky to remove and dispose of, often requiring special handling. 

On average, professional removal services cost around £75, though prices can vary depending on the unit. 

Car tyres 

Old car tyres shouldn’t be left lying around, and professional disposal costs around £10 per tyre.  

It’s a small fee for keeping your garage free from clutter and the environment clean. 

Paint (5 litre can) 

Got leftover paint cans? Disposing of a 5-litre can costs just £5 on average.  

It’s a safe and easy way to clear out your DIY leftovers responsibly. 

Several factors can influence rubbish removal costs: 

1. Volume and weight 

Larger volumes or heavier waste (like construction debris) incur higher costs.  

Services often charge by cubic yard for volume-based removals. 

2. Item types 

Some items, such as fridges and air conditioning units, require specialised disposal due to environmental regulations. 

This can inevitably raise the cost of removal. 

3. Service type 

• Man and van services are flexible and efficient for small loads, but rates vary from £60 to £100+/hour 

• Skip hire is ideal for larger projects but includes rental and potential permit costs 

Naturally, you’ll need to balance your needs with your budget to choose the right service. 

4. Location 

Costs can vary depending on where you live in the UK.  

Urban areas like London often have higher prices due to labour costs and regulations. 

5. Environmental fees 

Disposing of hazardous materials – like paint cans or fire extinguishers – may include additional fees due to regulatory requirements. 

If you don’t handle or dispose of hazardous materials properly, you could land yourself in trouble. 

Still on the fence about using rubbish removal services? Get answers to your most-asked questions by reading below. 

How much does professional rubbish removal cost in the UK? 

Professional rubbish removal services typically start at £75 for smaller loads and can climb to £595 or more for larger collections like clearing out a garage or garden. 

Costs vary because companies often charge by the volume of waste, measured in cubic yards. For context: 

• A single cubic yard is roughly the size of a washing machine 

• A typical small van holds about 1 to 3 cubic yards, whereas a large grab lorry can carry up to 15 cubic yards 

Pro tip: always ask for a clear, upfront quote.  

Some providers offer free estimates and will explain how their pricing works – perfect for avoiding surprise costs. 

Interested in hiring a grab lorry? Find out what you'll need to pay by reading our guide on the cost of hiring grab lorries.

What’s the cheapest way to remove rubbish? 

You don’t always need to splash out for a professional service. Here are the cheapest options, depending on your situation: 

• Community collection days 

Some councils run free or low-cost collection days for bulky waste.  

Check your local authority’s website for dates and details. 

• Local council services 

Most councils offer bulky waste collection for a small fee (around £20 to £60+ per item).  

This is ideal for removing old furniture, mattresses, or white goods. 

• DIY drop-off 

If you have a car or van, head to your local recycling centre – most accept household waste for free.  

Great for smaller loads but bear in mind time and fuel costs. 

For larger jobs, compare: 

• Skip hire 

Better for ongoing waste (e.g. during a home renovation).  

Costs start at around £60 per week depending on skip size. 

• Man and van services 

Typically charge by the hour so it can be cost-effective depending on how much waste you need to clear. 

Saving tip: combine items into a single collection where possible.  

For example, rather than paying multiple fees for council services, hire a van service for everything in one go. 

Can I dispose of rubbish myself? 

Absolutely! Local recycling centres (sometimes called tips) are a fantastic option for DIY disposal: 

• Cost: free for most household waste, including garden waste, cardboard, and small appliances 

• Access: check your council’s website for opening hours and restrictions – some require proof of residence 

However, for large, bulky items (like a broken sofa) or hazardous waste (like paint or asbestos), professional services may be unavoidable. 

Plus, transporting heavy loads yourself can be a hassle without the right vehicle or manpower. 

Are professional rubbish removal services environmentally friendly? 

Many rubbish removal companies in the UK take sustainability seriously. They aim to reduce landfill waste by: 

• Sorting your rubbish to recycle or donate usable items 

• Partnering with charities or recycling centres for furniture, electronics, and textiles 

When choosing a provider, look for one with a strong eco policy or ask about their disposal practices. 

For peace of mind, some even provide a recycling certificate or a breakdown of where your waste went. 

Do I need a skip permit? 

Yes – but only if the skip is placed on public land (e.g. a street or pavement). 

Skip permits typically cost between £15 and £60+, depending on your local council, and are usually arranged by the skip hire company. 

Placing a skip on private land (like a driveway)? No permit is needed! 

How can I save money on rubbish removal? 

Nobody wants to overpay for waste disposal. Here’s how to keep costs down: 

• Consolidate trips: try to gather all your waste for a single collection to avoid paying for multiple visits 

• Opt for a skip: for ongoing projects or larger loads, a skip often works out cheaper than multiple van trips 

• Sell or donate usable items: one person’s rubbish is another’s treasure – sell or donate furniture and unwanted items that are still useable 

If you’ve decided to hire a rubbish removal service, make sure you to get quotes from a few options so you know what seems like a fair price. 

Can professional rubbish removal companies handle all types of waste? 

Most services cover: 

• General household waste: old furniture, appliances, cardboard 

• Garden waste: branches, soil, lawn trimmings 

• Construction debris: bricks, plasterboard, and rubble (though some may charge extra for heavy materials) 

Need to get rid of hazardous waste? This is where things get tricky.  

Materials like asbestos, chemicals, or certain electrical items need specialist removal. 

Always check with the provider beforehand, as they may not have the right licenses or equipment. 

What types of rubbish removal services are available? 

From small clear-outs to major overhauls, there’s a service for every situation: 

1. One-off clearances: perfect for decluttering, moving house, or clearing out a relative’s home 

2. Regular waste collection: ideal for businesses or households generating consistent waste 

3. Specialist services: includes garden clearance, construction waste removal, or hazardous material disposal 

Tailored options mean you’re not stuck paying for services you don’t need – just pick what suits your situation. 

Skip hire vs rubbish removal services: which is better? 

It depends on your project: 

• Rubbish removal team  

Best for quick, hassle-free disposal. They do all the heavy lifting and don’t require permits if they’re loading from private property.  

They’re ideal for single clear-outs or small-to-medium jobs. 

• Skip hire  

More cost effective if waste builds up over time, such as during a renovation.  

Skips come in various sizes, but you’ll need space for one – and possibly a permit. 

Pro tip: compare quotes based on volume and duration to decide which offers better value for your needs. 

How do I prepare for a rubbish removal service? 

Preparation can save time and reduce costs: 

• Group waste together: place everything in one accessible location, like a driveway or garden 

• Flag heavy items: let the company know in advance if you’ve got large or awkward items (e.g. fridges or heavy furniture) 

• Declutter first: separate items that can be donated, recycled, or sold to reduce the amount you’re paying to remove 

Do I need to be at home during collection? 

Not necessarily.  Many companies offer flexible options where you can leave waste in a designated spot. For example: 

• Bagged rubbish left in the front garden 

• Large items stacked neatly on the driveway 

However, check with your chosen provider. Some may need access to locked areas or require you to confirm specific items for removal. 

Rubbish removal costs depend on the service type, volume, and location, ranging from £75 to £595+ per project. 

Whether opting for a skip, man and van, or specialist disposal for items like appliances, compare quotes and consider eco-friendly options. 

If you’re planning rubbish removal, you can find reliable rubbish removal services on Yell.  

Start by comparing quotes and reading reviews, then book your preferred service.  

No time to search? You can also post a free enquiry and have service providers come to you with a quote by phone or email, at your convenience. 

For more home-clearing advice, cost-saving tips, and DIY guides, check out the Yell blog today.

Disclaimer 

Cost data was gathered from an analysis of wider industry data. Actual costs may vary depending on location or complexity of the task, project, or service. We encourage customers to reach out to industry professionals for specific quotes based on their unique requirements.