Garden waste builds up quickly in London, especially after pruning, hedge trimming, or a seasonal garden clearance. Council green waste bins have limited capacity, and most London boroughs charge for garden waste collection. Professional removal is often the fastest way to clear large volumes without multiple trips to the tip.
What counts as garden waste
Garden waste includes grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, branches, leaves, weeds, soil, turf, and old plants. It also covers items like broken garden furniture, old pots, and decking that is being replaced.
Some materials like soil and rubble may need separate disposal and can affect the price. Tree trunks and large branches are heavier and bulkier than bagged green waste, which changes the vehicle and loading requirements.
How pricing works
Garden waste removal is typically priced by volume. The standard unit is a fraction of a van or truck load. A few bags of hedge trimmings costs less than a full garden clearance that fills a tipper truck.
- Volume of waste (bags, partial load, or full load)
- Weight of materials (soil and rubble are heavier)
- Access to the garden (rear access, narrow paths, stairs)
- Whether waste is already bagged or needs collecting
- Distance from vehicle parking to the garden
Council collection vs professional removal
Most London boroughs offer a paid garden waste collection service, but it typically runs fortnightly and uses standard-sized bins. For large clearances after hedge trimming, tree work, or garden renovation, the council service is too slow and too small.
Professional garden waste removal handles any volume in a single visit, takes everything away on the day, and disposes of it properly. It is more expensive than the annual council subscription but far more practical for one-off clearances.
Getting a quote
The best way to get an accurate quote is to estimate the volume and take photos. Mention whether the waste includes anything heavy like soil or rubble, and whether the collection point is easily accessible from the road.