Rachel writes practical guides on skip hire, waste removal, and responsible disposal in the UK. She explains what you can legally put in a skip, how to handle restricted waste, and what it really costs. Her goal is to give clear, up-to-date advice so households and trades stay compliant and avoid fines.
Reviewed by: Skip Hire Team Waste Compliance Manager | Upper Tier Waste Broker Licence CBDU596771
You’ve finished digging out a patio, tearing up turf, or doing foundation work. Now you’ve got a mountain of soil sitting on your drive.
What do you actually do with it, without getting fined for dumping it in the wrong place?
We handle soil disposal every day for homeowners, landscapers and small builders across England, Scotland and Wales. This guide walks you through the legal, simple and cost-effective options.
Not all soil is treated the same. The type decides the cost and the rules.
Typical cost to remove in bulk: £250–£330 for an 8-yard skip.
Best option: Reuse it yourself or give it away before you pay to dispose of it.
Red flags include chemical smells, oil stains, or rainbow sheens. This is classed as hazardous waste and must be tested. Disposing of this in a standard skip or tip is illegal and carries heavy penalties.
Before paying for removal, see if you can use the soil to:
Quick tip: Even if you can only use half of it, that’s still less you need to dispose of.
One person’s soil problem is another’s gardening goldmine. We’ve seen customers successfully give away soil through:
Best for small quantities (less than 1 tonne).
For larger garden projects, a skip is the most reliable method. Note that soil is very heavy, so you cannot use “Mega” skips (over 12 yards) as the lorry won’t be able to lift it.
If you’ve got a big pile of soil in an open area with good access, a grab lorry can load it directly over a fence or wall using the crane arm.
Best for:
Under UK law, you have a Duty of Care for your waste.
Local tip: Free (if they accept it)
Giving it away: Free (but you provide transport)
Book Skip hire: From £150-£455 depending on size and location
Grab hire: From £200-£500 for larger quantities
Contaminated soil: Custom pricing. It has to go to a licensed hazardous or specialist facility
| Disposal Method | Cost Range | Success Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Reuse on-site |
£0 |
40% |
Small quantities, clean soil |
|
Give away free |
£0 |
65% |
Clean topsoil, patient customers |
|
Council tip |
£0-£20 |
30% |
Car boot quantities |
|
Skip hire |
£180-£455 |
95% |
Most situations |
|
Grab lorry |
£200-£500 |
100% |
Large quantities, access issues
|
No. Most UK councils prohibit soil in brown/green garden bins. Soil is too heavy for the lifting mechanism and is processed differently than compostable garden clippings.
Soil is “inert waste” but is heavily taxed by weight at landfills. It is also difficult to “recycle” compared to wood or metal, requiring specialized washing plants to be reused in construction.
If the land was previously used for industry, a petrol station, or had an old oil tank, you should get a soil analysis test. Signs include a chemical odour, blue/green staining, or a lack of any plant growth.
That pile on your driveway doesn’t have to sit there for a week.
Here’s the fastest way to get rid of it legally:
Get your free quote in 2 minutes:
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