how much does rubbish removal cost in the UK?
Homes and offices accumulate clutter over time, and every now and then it's good to have a solid clear-out. Whether you're moving house, renovating, clearing an office, or just looking to reorganise, one of the first questions that comes up is:
How much does rubbish removal cost in the UK?
The answer depends on a few factors, the type of waste, its quantity, and the service you choose. Below, we've broken down the most common rubbish removal options and typical costs across the UK, so you'll know what to expect, and what you'll get for your money.
Skip Hire Costs
Hiring a skip is one of the most recognised ways to deal with large amounts of waste. It's best suited for projects that generate heavy or bulky materials, or when you'd prefer to load the waste yourself over a few days.
Below are the most common skip sizes, their average UK prices (delivered to private land), and suggested uses. Do note that hiring a skip for placement on public land usually requires a permit from your local authority, which adds an additional cost.
Common Skip Sizes
4 Yard Skip - £230-£280 +VAT
Holds 30-40 bin bags (up to 4 tonnes). Ideal for small DIY projects, garden makeovers, or room refurbishments.
6 Yard Skip - £280-£320 +VAT
Holds 50-60 bin bags. Suited to heavy builders' waste such as soil, concrete, rubble, or tiles.
8 Yard Skip - £300-£350 +VAT
Holds 70-80 bin bags (up to 8 tonnes). A common choice for larger home renovations or moderate house clear-outs.
12 Yard Skip - £360-£410 +VAT
A good option for bulky items like furniture, or waste from an extensive makeover.
16 Yard Skip - £410-£480 +VAT
Best for large volumes of general household or renovation waste. Not suitable for very dense materials such as soil or rubble.
Man and Van Costs - Single Items
When you only have a few bulky or specialist items, a skip often isn't practical. A man and van rubbish removal service is ideal in these cases, as labour is included and items can be collected directly from your home.
Typical single item costs
Fridges - £70-£150 +VAT
Requires specialist disposal due to hazardous materials. Prices vary by fridge type (e.g. under counter vs. American style).
Washing Machines - £50-£90 +VAT
Heavy items that need safe removal and recycling.
Mattresses - £60-£100 +VAT
Costs depend on size (single, double, king) and the recycling process required.
Sofas - £80-£150 +VAT
Must be disposed of in line with POPs regulations. Prices vary by size, whether single or set, and sofa beds often incur an extra fee.
Wardrobes - £100-£200 +VAT
From small flat-pack units to fitted wardrobes requiring dismantling, prices depend on size and labour required.
Man and Van Costs - Load Sizes
If you have a mix of household or garden junk that's hard to list individually, companies like Central Junk price by load size. This option is flexible and avoids the need for a skip.
Typical load based costs
Mini Load - £80-£100 +VAT
Around 1 cubic yard (5 bin bags). Often used for single small items or light clearances.
Small Load - £130-£180 +VAT
2-4 cubic yards (up to 15 bin bags). Ideal for 1-2 bulky household items.
Medium Load - £200-£250 +VAT
5-7 cubic yards (around 30 bin bags). Suited for clearing a room or light renovation waste.
Large Load - £270-£320 +VAT
8-10 cubic yards (up to 50 bin bags). Useful for multiple rooms or several large items.
Extra Large Load - £420-£500 +VAT
11-16+ cubic yards (60-100 bin bags). Common for whole-house, garage, or garden clearances. Vehicle capacity varies by provider.
Additional Fees & Charges
Most companies keep pricing simple, but a few extras can apply depending on the job:
Eco items (specialist disposal): Items like fridges, mattresses, or tyres require licensed recycling and usually carry a set fee.
Call-outs: Some firms add a call-out fee, often for small jobs. At Central Junk, only orders under £65 carry a small service fee to keep collections reliable.
Out of hours: Late-evening, weekend, or last-minute jobs may incur a surcharge (£2.50-£50 depending on timing and company).
Add-ons: Extra loading time (£1-£1.50 per min) or additional volume (£20-£40 per cubic yard) if waste exceeds the booked amount.
So Which Option Should You Choose?
The cost of rubbish removal in the UK depends on what you're disposing of and how much there is. Skips are best for heavy DIY and renovation waste, while man and van services are more convenient for bulky items or general clear outs.
It's worth remembering that very low quotes can sometimes signal unlicensed operators, which risks fly-tipping and potential fines for you as the waste producer. Always choose a licensed, professional service to ensure your rubbish is handled responsibly.
If you're looking for a reliable option, Central Junk offers both skip hire and man and van collections with transparent pricing. Whatever your needs, professional rubbish removal saves time, effort, and stress in the long run.