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Garden Clearance: A Guide To Clearing Your Outdoor Space
Whether you’re tackling a spring clean-up, clearing an overgrown garden or managing waste from a full landscaping project, garden waste clearance is often the first step towards an outdoor space you can actually enjoy.
The trouble is, garden waste is bulky, heavy and surprisingly varied. Grass cuttings, branches, soil, broken paving, old fencing, rubble from a patio demolition – it all adds up. Council green bin collections only handle so much, and trips to the local tip quickly eat into your weekend.
At Throw and Tow Eco Skips, we provide fast, affordable garden waste removal across Exeter, Teignbridge, Newton Abbot and the wider Devon area. We’re a family-run business with a difference: we send zero waste to landfill. Every skip we collect is hand-sorted, and 100% of your garden waste is recycled, composted or reused.
This guide covers everything you need to know – from what counts as garden waste and the best time to clear, to which skip size fits your project and where your waste actually ends up after we collect it.
Why Garden Waste Clearance Matters More Than You Think
Garden waste makes up a significant portion of England’s domestic waste. According to government figures, the recycling of garden waste reached 3.6 million tonnes in 2023, an increase of 10.8% compared to the previous year. It’s now one of the largest contributors to the UK’s overall household recycling rate of 44%.
Despite this, a huge amount of garden waste still ends up being disposed of incorrectly – mixed in with general household waste, fly-tipped in country lanes or burned in back gardens (which is both a legal grey area and a nuisance for neighbours).
Proper garden clearance isn’t just about having a tidy outdoor space. It’s about making sure organic waste goes back into the cycle – turned into compost, mulch or soil conditioner rather than sitting in a landfill where it produces methane, a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide.
What Counts As Garden Waste?
Garden waste covers a broader range of materials than most people realise. Here’s what you can put in a garden clearance skip. For the full list of accepted items, see our what can I put in a skip page.
| Green/Organic Waste | Hard Landscaping Waste |
|---|---|
| Grass cuttings and turf | Old paving slabs and flagstones |
| Tree branches and hedge trimmings | Broken concrete and rubble |
| Leaves, weeds and dead plants | Timber fencing and trellis |
| Plants and flowers | Plastic sheeting or netting |
| Soil and turf | Rubble and aggregate |
| Roots and tree stumps | Garden tools beyond repair |
| Bark and wood chippings | Old garden furniture |
Sorting your waste before loading makes disposal more straightforward and means your skip space is used efficiently.
When Is the Best Time for a Garden Clearance?
Spring (March – May)
Early spring is the most popular time for garden clearance, and for good reason. It’s the perfect opportunity to reset your outdoor space after the colder months. Clearing dead growth, fallen branches and winter debris gives your plants the best chance to thrive as the weather warms.
Spring is also when garden centres and landscapers are at their busiest, so if you’re planning a redesign, getting the clearance done early means you’re ready when the good weather arrives.
Summer (June – August)
Longer days and dry weather make summer ideal for larger landscaping projects – new patios, decking, garden rooms or driveway work. These projects generate heavier waste (concrete, soil, timber) so you’ll likely need a bigger skip or our wait-and-load skip hire for quick turnaround.
Autumn (September – November)
Autumn clear-ups are just as popular as spring. Falling leaves, dead plants and end-of-season pruning all produce significant volumes of garden waste. It’s also the right time to clear overgrown beds before winter sets in, and to remove any damaged structures (sheds, fencing, pergolas) before they deteriorate further.
Winter (December – February)
While it’s not the most common season for garden work, winter clearances can be essential – particularly after storms, when fallen trees or damaged fencing need removing quickly. Our same-day skip hire Devon service means you don’t have to wait if you need urgent waste removal.
Which Skip Size for Your Garden Project?
The right skip depends on the scale of your project. For a full breakdown of our skip range and pricing, see our guide on how much local skip hire costs.
| Project | Skip Size | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal Tidy Up | 2-4 yards | Hedge trimmings, leaves, dead plants, small-scale pruning |
| Full garden clearance | 6-8 yard | Overgrown garden, removing bushes/shrubs, clearing beds and borders |
| Landscaping projects | 8-12 yard | Patio removal, fencing, decking waste, soil and rubble from groundwork |
| Major garden redesign | 12-16 yard | Complete garden overhaul including hard landscaping, outbuilding demolition |
Tip: Soil and rubble are much heavier than green waste. If your project involves digging out a lawn, removing a patio or creating footings, you may need a separate skip for heavy materials. Call us on 07845 523868 and we’ll help you work out the most cost-effective approach.
Garden Clearance Tips to Save Time and Money
Sort As You Go
Keep green waste separate from hard landscaping materials. This makes loading faster and helps us process your waste more efficiently at our sorting facility.
Cut Down Bulky Items
Cut large branches, hedge trimmings and timber into manageable lengths before loading. Compressing bulky waste means you fit more into your skip and avoid paying for a bigger one than you need.
Consider Wait-and-Load for Quick Jobs
Our wait-and-load skip hire is perfect for quick garden clear-outs or post-landscaping waste. We bring the skip, wait for up to 30 minutes while you load it and take it away immediately. No permits needed, no skip sitting on your drive for days, and it’s often the most cost-effective option for smaller jobs.
Plan Around The Weather
Wet garden waste is heavier and messier to handle. If you can, aim for a dry spell when booking your skip. Loading is faster, waste is lighter (which can mean a smaller skip) and you’ll have a much more pleasant experience.
Don’t Forget Access
If your garden is accessed through a narrow side passage, a terraced street or a country lane, our towable skip hire is designed for exactly this. They’re compact, lockable and can fit into spaces standard skips simply can’t reach.
Where Does Your Garden Waste Go After We Collect It?
This is one of the things that sets us apart from other skip hire companies in Devon. When you hire a garden skip from Throw and Tow, your waste doesn’t go to landfill. Ever.
Every skip we collect is taken back to our facility and hand-sorted. Here’s what happens to your garden waste:
- Green waste (grass, leaves, branches, plants) is sent to licensed composting facilities where it’s turned into nutrient-rich compost and soil conditioner
- Timber and untreated wood is processed for biomass fuel or recycled into wood chip and mulch
- Soil, rubble and aggregates are cleaned and reused in construction and landscaping projects
- Metal (old tools, wire fencing, fixings) is separated and sent for metal recycling
- Usable items like garden furniture, pots and tools are donated to local charities
Our zero-landfill commitment means your garden clearance genuinely makes a difference. It’s not just about removing waste – it’s about making sure that waste has a second life.
Garden Clearance for Specific Projects
Landscaping and Garden Redesign
Whether you’re adding a garden path, building raised beds, installing a pergola or simply giving the flower beds a proper tidy-up, landscaping tasks generate plenty of waste. From old paving and soil to timber offcuts and packaging, having a skip on-site means you can focus on the creative work rather than worrying about where to put the rubbish.
Decking Installation or Removal
Decking is one of the most popular garden improvements in the UK, but the construction process generates waste – old paving, soil, timber offcuts and packaging. Removing old decking produces even more. Our wait-and-load service is ideal for decking projects that need a quick turnaround.
Pond and Water Feature Work
Creating a garden pond means removing substantial amounts of soil. Rather than making endless trips to the tip, a skip on your driveway makes the whole process far simpler.
Overgrown Garden Reclamation
Moved into a property with a neglected garden? Overgrown clearances often produce more waste than expected – buried rubble, old garden structures, tree stumps and years of accumulated debris. A 6–8 yard skip is typically the right starting point.
Why Choose Throw and Tow for Garden Waste Removal?
- Zero waste to landfill – every skip is hand-sorted, 100% recycled, reused or donated
- Family-run and local – based in Exeter, covering Teignbridge, Newton Abbot and wider Devon
- Same-day skip hire available – book before midday and we’ll deliver the same day where possible
- Fixed and towable skip hire from 2 to 16 yards – including lockable towable skips for tight access
- Wait-and-load service – perfect for quick garden clear-outs without permits or long hire periods
- Competitive pricing with no hidden charges – the price we quote is the price you pay
- Environment Agency registered – Upper Tier Waste Carrier & Dealer (CBDU298740)
According to Ecoscape, having a well-maintained garden nearby can improve your physical and mental wellbeing, reducing heart rate and helping with feelings of anxiety. A proper clearance is the first step towards a space that genuinely works for you and your family.
Book Your Garden Clearance Skip Today
Book your skip online today and enjoy efficient, eco-friendly and hassle-free garden waste removal in Exeter and across Devon. For a free, no-obligation quote, contact us on 07845 523868 or email info@throwandtowecoskipsltd.co.uk. Just include your location so we can get you the most accurate price.