The average cost for rubbish removals is between £27 and £256. The cost varies depending on what you need to dispose of, the service you choose, and where you're located. The following is a breakdown of the average costs for different options:
| Option / Item | Best For | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rubbish Removal Company | Quick and trouble-free removal | £77 per m³ |
| Piano | Disposal | £265 |
| Washing Machine | Disposal | £58 |
| Skip Hire | Large volumes & ongoing projects | £255 |
| Skip Bags | Medium loads & flexible disposal | £256 |
| Council Collection | Bulky items (e.g., furniture, mattresses) | £27 |
Prices calculation for rubbish removal is typically based on the type and amount of waste, as well as the method of disposal. This ensures transparency and helps you understand what you are paying for.
You can save time and money by finding trusted house clearance companies using our free comparison form.
This guide explains rubbish removal services, how they differ from other options like skip hire, and details rubbish removal costs and the factors that impact them.
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Introduction to Rubbish Removal
Rubbish removal is a vital service for households looking to get rid of unwanted rubbish efficiently and responsibly. Whether you’re clearing out bulky waste, hazardous waste, or very heavy waste, hiring a professional rubbish removal company ensures that your items are disposed of safely and in line with environmental regulations.
Rubbish removal services are designed to handle a wide range of waste types, offering flexible payment methods and a no-obligation quote so you can understand rubbish removal prices upfront. By choosing a reputable provider, you benefit from responsible disposal practices and the convenience of having experts manage the heavy lifting and logistics.
Understanding the factors that influence removal prices - such as the type and amount of waste, your location, and the specific service you need - can help you make informed decisions and find the most cost-effective solution for your rubbish removal needs.
How Much Do Rubbish Removal Company's Charge?
One of the most effective methods for waste disposal is to hire a house clearance company to handle this for you. Most house clearance companies offer rubbish clearance service. Typically, these companies charge per cubic metre, with the average fee being £77 for the removal of one cubic metre of rubbish.
Waste clearance companies often charge customers based on specific items. The cost can vary depending on how the item is recycled and the number of people required to dispose of it. For example, disposing of a small fridge might only need one person, while an American-style fridge freezer may require two.
Please note that additional waste disposal charges may apply for bulky or heavy items, or if the volume exceeds standard limits.
Here is a breakdown of the average costs (charges are often based on the weight or volume of collected wаѕtе):
| Items | Average | Low Cost | High Cost | Volume (Cubic Yards) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fridge | £70 | £40 | £100 | 0.5-1 |
| Piano | £265 | £130 | £400 | 1-2 |
| Mattress | £28 | £25 | £30 | 0.5-1 |
| Armchair / Sofa | £55 | £40 | £70 | 1-2 |
| Washing Machine | £58 | £35 | £80 | 0.5-1 |
*Cost data in this section are averages taken from Rubbish Cleared, Handy Rubbish, Onward Waste, London Waste Management, Rainbow Rubbish Removals and A1 Piano Removals
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How Much Does a Skip Cost?
The average cost to hire a skip is £255. It’s important to note that if the skip you are using has to be placed on public land, you will need to apply for a permit from your local authority. Site access and available space are also key factors that can affect the cost and logistics of skip hire, as skips need to be placed in a suitable location on your site.
There are different-sized skips you can choose from depending on how much rubbish you need to be cleared. A skip hire company can advise you on the best option for you.
Skips are a more expensive option to consider, especially when compared to skip bags. There are also limitations of what can be placed in them which is worth keeping in mind.
Here are the most common skip sizes and their average costs:
| Skip Size | Bin Bag Capacity | Average Cost | Low Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 Yard | 20 - 30 | £96 | £60 | £132 |
| 4 Yard | 25 - 40 | £170 | £160 | £180 |
| 6 Yard | 40 - 60 | £193 | £110 | £275 |
| 8 Yard | 60 - 80 | £277 | £249 | £305 |
| 12 Yard | 120 - 125 | £335 | £220 | £450 |
*Data taken from TJ-Waste, Reliable Skip, Skip Hire Services, Ellgia and AnyJunk.
How Much Do Skip Bags Cost?
The average cost of renting a skip bag is £256 with HIPPO. Other companies often offer their own type of skip bags too. Skip bags are useful to use as they come flat-packed and can be opened out to use. You will need to fill the bags yourself with the waste. Once full, a team member will collect the bag for you and dispose of it safely.
Please note that for certain materials such as wet wood, concrete, soil, rubble, and other heavier waste, extra charges may apply because these are charged based on the weight, not the volume. The weight of the waste is a key factor in determining the final cost for skip bag collection.
The following are the three sizes of HIPPO Bags, along with their sizes, weight capacities, and costs:
| HIPPO bag type | Dimensions | Weight Allowance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIDIBAF | (L)90cm x (W)90cm x (H)90cm | 1 Tonne | £204.99 |
| MEGABAG | (L)90cm x (W)90cm x (H)90cm | 1.5 Tonnes | £236.99 |
| HIPPOSKIP | (L)210cm x (W)165cm x (H)100cm | 1.5 Tonnes | £324.99 |
*Data taken from HIPPO’s website
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Factors Influencing Rubbish Removal Costs
When it comes to rubbish removal costs several factors need to be considered. This includes:
Hourly Rates
Some house clearance companies may charge a flat hourly rate for the use of their services. This is in addition to the overall cost of removing household waste. The costs will vary depending on the company you use and the area you live in. Other companies will charge based on the size of the waste collection and may provide an exact quote before carrying out the job.
Read more on How Does House Clearance Work?
The Weight and Size of the Items
Certain items will be more or less expensive to remove depending on what they are. For example, one bag of garden waste would cost less to dispose of compared to an American Fridge Freezer.
If you have a lot of white goods or unwanted furniture that needs to be removed, this will be more costly than bags of household rubbish.
The Number of Items
Depending on the method you choose, the cost may vary based on the number of items you need to remove. For example, the council charges per item, so in some cases, it might be more cost-effective to hire a house clearance firm.
The Type of Waste
Certain types of rubbish will need to be disposed of at a special facility and is more costly than disposing of regular items. Specialist waste can include builder’s waste and hazardous rubbish. Hazardous household waste includes batteries, paints and oils.
Access to the Property
If you live in a flat or a remote area, house clearance companies may charge extra if the property is more difficult to access. For example, if there is no lift available or your flat is on a high floor. This is because it will take more time to reach you and carry out the job.
Understanding Quotes and Prices
When you request a quote from a rubbish removal company, it’s important to ensure you receive a detailed breakdown of all costs involved. A reputable provider will include labour, disposal fees, and any other expenses in the quote, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
The quote should also specify the volume of waste to be collected and highlight any additional charges that may apply, such as for very heavy waste like bricks or concrete. For these materials, companies often use the latest electronic digital scales to provide an accurate weight measurement, as pricing may be based on weight rather than volume.
Be sure to ask about any hidden costs, such as congestion charges or permit fees, to avoid surprises on your final bill. Understanding the full scope of prices and costs will help you make an informed decision when hiring a rubbish removal service.
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Compare House Clearance Companies Today
Here at Compare My Move, we can connect you with up to 6 house clearance companies in your local area. They can assist you with rubbish removal services. All our partners hold a valid Waste Carrier Licence and are fully covered by Public Liability insurance.
Simply fill out our online form to find local companies in your area and save up to 70% on your house clearance costs. This is a great cost-effective option to consider and the company will carry out all the hard work for you.
FAQs
Do rubbish removal costs in London differ from other areas in the UK?
Yes, rubbish removal prices in London are generally higher than in other parts of the UK. Research from Compare My Move shows that skip hire in London is approximately 30% more expensive than in many other major UK cities, with the average cost of a skip reaching £234.
Council fees in London are also notably higher. For example, sofa collection costs £30 in one London borough - 150% more than the cost in another major UK city.
Are There Any Cheaper Options to Remove Rubbish?
Man and Van services cost as little as £36 per hour for a basic transit van, which is ideal if you have many items that need to be disposed of.
Some UK councils allow residents to dispose of up to three large items for free within a set period, such as once a year. However, many councils charge for bulky waste collection services, especially for items such as sofas, mattresses, and electrical goods.
Below is a rough estimate of what you might expect to pay:
| No of Items | Average Cost | Low Cost | High Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 items | £11 | £0 | £21 |
| 3-4 items | £25 | £20 | £29 |
| 5-6+ items | £44 | £30 | £58 |
* Data taken from Cardiff City Council, Edinburgh City Council, Hackney Council and Manchester City Council.
