This page provides general practical guidance and does not replace project-specific legal, engineering, planning, ecological, asbestos or waste advice.
The short answer
Our managed waste collection service uses three published load bands. Each band has a price for mixed waste and a lower price for light green waste, a weight allowance, and a loading-time allowance for a two-person crew. The applicable band is confirmed against the job — both the available vehicle space and the stated weight allowance apply, and whichever is reached first determines the band. Current prices and allowances are published at the link below.
Why it matters
The load bands are not simply a measure of how much waste fits in a vehicle. Weight matters independently of volume: bulky light waste such as timber, plasterboard or garden cuttings may fill the available space before reaching the weight allowance. Dense waste such as rubble, soil, concrete or masonry may reach the weight allowance before filling the space. Both limits apply, and the band is confirmed against whichever is reached first. This means the same apparent volume of waste can fall into different bands depending on the material. Describing the material type accurately — not just the approximate quantity — is the most useful thing you can do when requesting a quotation.
Information that may be needed
For an accurate quotation, send: project postcode, photographs of the waste and the access route, a description of the materials (type, approximate volume and whether any items are heavy — rubble, soil, masonry, concrete), whether the waste is inside or outside, any access restrictions including stairs, narrow corridors, height restrictions or long carries, and the required collection date or window. Where waste includes a mix of material types, describe each type separately. The more accurately the scope is described, the more reliable the quotation.
What can affect the scope
Material type is the most important factor. Light mixed waste — timber offcuts, plasterboard, packaging, general renovation debris — is assessed differently from dense waste such as rubble, soil, concrete or masonry. Dense materials are assessed separately due to weight, and a confirmed quotation is required before collection can be agreed. Light green waste — clean branches, leaves and hedge cuttings — is priced at the lower green rate; wet grass, soil, turf and substantial roots require separate assessment and are not included under the standard green tariff. Each band also has a weight allowance: up to 125 kg for the minimum/quarter band, up to 250 kg for the half band, and up to 500 kg for the full band. Loading time is included within each band's allowance: 20 minutes two-person loading for the minimum/quarter band, 30 minutes for the half band, and 60 minutes for the full band. Additional loading beyond the allowance is charged at £60 per additional 30 minutes, agreed beforehand. Stairs, long carries, dismantling, bagging, difficult access, extra journeys and excess weight all require assessment and a confirmed quotation before collection can be agreed — they are not covered by the standard band price. Items requiring separate assessment include fridges, freezers and items containing refrigerants, which require prior assessment and confirmed disposal arrangements before collection can be agreed.
When specialist input may be needed
Asbestos-containing materials are excluded from our waste collection service. Arrange specialist assessment and a suitable asbestos-waste disposal route. Fridges, freezers and items containing refrigerants require prior assessment and confirmed disposal arrangements before collection can be agreed. Hazardous and contaminated waste requires specialist handling and disposal routes separate from standard waste collection.