Can You Put Garden Waste in a Skip?
Gardening projects always leave you with mountains of green waste, don’t they? We see it every day – customers finishing a weekend of pruning with piles of clippings and nowhere to put them!
“Can I put all this garden waste in a skip?” is something we’re asked nearly every day at our depot. The short answer is yes – but there’s a bit more to it than that, which is why we’ve put together this guide.
What counts as garden waste?
When we talk about garden waste (or green waste as it’s sometimes called), we mean those natural bits and bobs that come from your outdoor space:
- Grass clippings from your weekend mow
- Leaves you’ve raked up (especially after autumn!)
- Those hedge trimmings that always seem to fill more bags than expected
- Weeds, plants and those stubborn root balls
- Flowers, bushes and shrubs you’re replacing
- Soil and turf (though watch out – this stuff’s heavy!)
All these materials break down naturally and can be composted rather than ending up in landfill – which is much better for our planet.
Yes, we’ll take your garden waste!
We’re more than happy to accept garden waste in our skips. Many of our regular customers hire skips specifically when they’re tackling big garden clearance jobs.
Just remember we can only take natural, biodegradable materials. This helps ensure everything can be properly recycled once we collect it.
Money-saving tip: If you’re only disposing of green waste, give us a call before booking. We often offer special rates for garden waste-only skips that could save you a few quid!
What we can't take in your garden skip
While most garden waste is absolutely fine, there are a few things we have to say no to:
- Large tree trunks or stumps (these need specialist equipment to process)
- Japanese knotweed or other invasive plants (these need controlled disposal)
- Treated timber like fence panels or decking
- Soil that’s been contaminated with chemicals or oil
- Garden chemicals, pesticides or paint tins
- Electrical garden equipment (lawnmowers, strimmers, etc.)
Not sure about something? Just give our yard a call before your skip arrives. We’ve seen it all over the years and can quickly tell you the best way to dispose of anything you’re unsure about.
Choosing the right skip size for your garden clear-out
After helping thousands of gardeners across the region, we’ve learned a thing or two about which skip suits which job:
2-Yard Mini Skip
- Perfect for: Smaller gardens and basic maintenance jobs
- You’ll fit: Several bags of hedge clippings, grass cuttings, and some plant waste
- Best when: You’re just doing a bit of pruning or clearing a small space
Don’t be fooled by its compact size – our mini still holds roughly 20-30 black bags worth of garden waste. It’s ideal for those smaller jobs.
4-Yard Midi Skip
- Perfect for: Medium gardens or seasonal overhauls
- You’ll fit: Soil, turf, branches, plants and general garden clearance
- Best when: You’re replacing lawn areas, pulling up plants, or redoing flower beds
This is our most popular size for garden projects – plenty of space for serious clearance but still fits on most driveways without causing a fuss with the neighbours.
6-Yard Builder’s Skip
- Perfect for: Large gardens or complete landscaping projects
- You’ll fit: Substantial amounts of soil, stone, branches and mixed garden waste
- Best when: You’re making structural changes, laying a new patio, or completely redesigning your garden
When you’re starting from scratch or making major changes, this skip gives you the breathing room you need.
Our top tips for garden waste disposal
After years of helping local gardeners with their clear-outs, we’ve picked up a few useful tricks:
- Break down larger branches – Chop them into smaller pieces and bundle twigs together to save space
- Keep things as dry as possible – Wet grass and leaves are surprisingly heavy and can push you over weight limits
- Fill strategically – Place flat items at the bottom and layer bulkier waste on top
- Watch out for soil weight – A seemingly small amount of soil can weigh more than a car engine!
Mixing garden and household waste - can you do it?
If you’re tackling both indoor and outdoor projects (as many of us do during spring clear-outs), you might wonder if everything can go in together.
You can mix waste types if you’ve booked a standard skip rather than a garden-only one. However, there are two things to keep in mind:
- Mixed waste skips typically cost a bit more than garden-only skips
- You’ll need to be careful about what goes in, as certain items still can’t be mixed
Most of our regular customers find it more cost-effective to keep garden waste separate where possible. It’s usually cheaper and ensures your green waste gets properly composted.
Need a skip for your garden project?
Whether you’re finally sorting that overgrown corner or completely transforming your outdoor space, we’ve got the perfect skip for your needs.
We’ve been helping local gardeners manage their waste for years, and we understand exactly what works best for different projects. Our team (who all live locally) can advise on the right size, placement, and timing to make your garden transformation as smooth as possible.
Give us a call to book your garden waste skip. We offer quick delivery throughout the region, and we’re always happy to answer any questions about what can and can’t go in your skip.
Based locally and providing reliable skip hire services across the area. Same-day delivery often available if you’re in a hurry!
