Soil Removal

From small landscaping projects to large construction projects, soil removal can often be a challenge. You can often be left with an excess of soil that needs to be disposed of and if it gets wet it becomes even more challenging to get rid of as it’s not only heavier, it’s a lot messier too.

How To Dispose Of Soil?

There are a number of ways you can dispose of soil. The most common ways are skips but for larger jobs, we provide a grab lorry to pick up the soil and take it away. However much you have, you will have to arrange for the disposal of your soil to ensure it is handled properly. You can’t mix soil or garden waste with your household waste, if you add it to your household bin, you’ll find it’s still there after collection. The soil must be disposed of safely and legally.

We’ve written a guide below outlining all the options available, and which will be best suited to your needs.

Advertise on social media

They do say one person’s trash is another’s treasure. You might be able to give away your soil for free. You can advertise locally or post on social media to see if anyone is in need of some free dirt.

It’s a long shot but you’d be surprised how many people are actually looking for soil. It’s not just a homeowner working on their own garden, you may find a local landscaper in need of some soil. It helps them cut costs and you can get your soil collected for free!

You can always ask your friends, family, and neighbours as well.

Use it for a new project

It’s worth considering if there are any other projects you need to do. It saves you having to get rid of your soil, buying more for the additional project, and it’s much more environmentally friendly than having it disposed of.

We’ve got a few ideas for you below:

• Create a vegetable patch
• A new flower patch
• Build raised beds
• Use it for potted plants indoors or outdoors
• Add it to compost piles
• Flatten out your lawn. A heavy roller could work too.
• There are an endless amount of gardening and DIY projects you could take on as well so have a look online and in gardening magazines to see if you can find any inspiration.

Ask your local council

Some local councils will collect your soil and garden waste for you. There may be a fee for this and a limit on how much they can take but it’s worth checking. Click here to find out if your local council can help.

Can you recycle soil or take it to the tip?

Most recycling centres will dispose of the soil for you. That said there are usually limitations on how much you can get rid of and you’ll most likely have to pay for it too, not to mention you’ll need to arrange transport or take it there yourself.

Can you put soil in a skip?

Providing the soil or garden waste isn’t contaminated with any paints, oils, solvents, or other hazardous materials you can hire a skip to throw everything away in one place -subject to weight limits which we’ll discuss below. This gives you the freedom and flexibility to work on your project in your own time. Once you’ve filled the skip, we will take it away for you.

If you think skip hire is your best option, keep reading as you’ll need to ensure you get the right size as there are weight limits.

We recycle the vast majority of our waste and divert 99% away from landfills. The most common use for recycled soil is in the construction or remodelling of golf courses. You can find out what happens to your waste and how we process it on our where waste goes page.

Can you use a grab lorry for soil removal?

You can use a grab lorry for waste and soil removal, though they are best suited for larger or commercial projects. They are also a good solution if you’re unable to hire a skip for any reason, such as lack of space.

You can hire a grab lorry for a single load or an entire day. A trained operator will be there to load all of the soil and waste for you, the waste just needs to be accessible.

We have more information on our grab lorry hire page. If you want to know how much our grab lorry soil removal costs, you can enquire online or give us a call.

How do you remove large amounts of soil?

When dealing with a substantial amount of soil, you need to consider the most efficient and cost-effective method of removal. Here are some steps to follow when removing large amounts of soil from a project site:

• Assess the volume of soil to be removed: Start by estimating the volume of soil you need to remove. This will help you determine the appropriate equipment and method of removal.
• Choose the right equipment: Depending on the volume and accessibility of the soil, you may opt for a grab lorry, excavator, or even a combination of both. A grab lorry is suitable for larger projects and when there is limited space for a skip. An excavator can be helpful for digging and loading soil into a truck or skip.
• Plan for transportation and disposal: If you are using a grab lorry, it will take care of both transportation and disposal. However, if you are using an excavator and skip, you will need to arrange transportation for the skip and ensure the disposal of the soil complies with regulations.
• Hire experienced professionals: Removing large amounts of soil can be a complicated task, and hiring experienced professionals can make the process more efficient and safe. This may include operators for the excavator or grab lorry, as well as a team to manage the logistics of transportation and disposal.
• Coordinate with local authorities and neighbours: Before starting your project, it’s important to inform local authorities and neighbours about your plans, especially if the removal process will affect traffic or cause disruptions. You may also need permits for certain types of soil removal, so it’s essential to check with local regulations.

DIY Soil Removal Tips

If you prefer to tackle the soil removal process yourself, here are some tips and suggestions to help you manage the task effectively and safely:

• Gather necessary tools: For a DIY soil removal project, you will need tools such as shovels, wheelbarrows, and buckets to help you dig, transport, and load the soil. Make sure to use appropriate safety gear like gloves, safety goggles, and sturdy boots.
• Break the project into smaller tasks: Divide the soil removal project into smaller, manageable sections. This will make the task less overwhelming and allow you to focus on one area at a time.
• Seek help from friends and family: Enlist the help of friends and family members to assist with the digging and transportation of soil. Sharing the workload can significantly speed up the process.
• Arrange for soil disposal: If you don’t have a use for the excess soil, you will need to arrange for its disposal. Contact your local recycling centre or waste disposal facility to learn about the requirements and fees for disposing of large amounts of soil. Alternatively, you can consider renting a small skip or a trailer to transport the soil to the disposal site.
• Consider using a mini-excavator: If you have a considerable amount of soil to remove, consider renting a mini-excavator to speed up the process. This will require some training or experience in operating the machinery, but it can make the task more manageable and efficient.
• Prioritise safety: Always prioritise safety when undertaking a DIY soil removal project. Be cautious while digging to avoid utility lines or pipes, and make sure to maintain proper lifting techniques to prevent injuries.

What size skip do I need for soil?

As a reputable skip hire company, health and safety are at the forefront of our business. That includes the safety of our drivers, customers, road users and pedestrians. When a skip has too much soil, it can make a lorry unsafe. When hiring a skip, it is important to know the limits.

These may vary by skip hire company so if you’re not using Norris, please check.