Waste Removal & Skip Rules for Landscaping in Godalming

Types of Waste on Landscaping Projects

Typical waste streams include:

• Subsoil and clay from patio and driveway excavations.
• Topsoil stripped from lawns or borders.
• Concrete and hardcore from old patios, paths and shed bases.
• Green waste such as shrubs, small trees and hedge trimmings.
• Old paving, bricks and blocks.
• General mixed waste from dismantling old features.

Skips vs Grab Lorries in Godalming

Skips

Skips are ideal where:

• There is a suitable driveway or hardstanding to place them on.
• Access is tight for grab lorries.
• Waste will be generated steadily throughout the job.

Considerations:

• Heavier materials (clay, rubble) reach the skip’s weight limit quickly.
• Overfilling above the sides is not permitted.
• On-road skips may require a permit from the local authority.
• Driveway protection is often advisable.

Grab Lorries

Grab lorries work well for:

• Large volumes of soil/clay from patio and driveway dig-outs.
• Properties with space to stockpile spoil where the lorry can reach.
• Jobs where we want spoil removed quickly in one go.

Advantages:

• Fast loading — large volumes removed in a short time.
• No need to keep a skip on the drive all week.
• Often more cost-effective per tonne of spoil.

Understanding Soil Weight

Many Godalming gardens sit on heavy clay — particularly Witley, Milford and some lower-lying areas. Clay is extremely dense, and this has a big impact on skips:

• A standard skip can reach its weight limit well before it’s visually full.
• Overloaded skips are dangerous to lift and may be refused.
• We often split clay and hardcore loads or use grab lorries to avoid issues.

Driveway Protection

When placing skips or moving tracked machinery over a driveway in Godalming, we often use:

• Protection boards or timber mats.
• Careful routing for wheelbarrows and trolleys.
• Clean-down procedures at the end of each day.

While no contractor can guarantee zero marking on all surfaces, we always aim to minimise impact and agree protection measures with you before work starts.

Legal & Environmental Responsibilities

All waste from landscaping projects must be:

• Handled by licensed waste carriers.
• Taken to authorised disposal or recycling facilities.
• Correctly categorised (soil, hardcore, green waste, mixed waste).

As the homeowner, you have a duty of care to ensure your contractor disposes of waste legally. Fly-tipping or illegal dumping can sometimes lead back to the original property owner.

What We Handle for You

As part of our landscaping service in Godalming, we:

• Organise all skips or grab lorries as required.
• Plan waste removal to match the project schedule.
• Separate waste streams where practical for recycling.
• Clear all spoil and construction waste from site on completion.

Waste planning is built into the way we quote and manage projects, particularly for larger schemes and full garden transformations.

Typical Waste Removal Scenarios

1. New Patio in a Rear Garden (Godalming / Farncombe)

• Skip on driveway or grab lorry if access allows.
• Soil/clay and old paving removed across 1–2 visits.
• Final sweep and clean-down of access routes.

2. Full Garden Regrade in Witley or Milford

• Significant volumes of clay and subsoil.
• Stockpile then remove via grab lorry.
• Additional loads for old walls, concrete and sheds if present.

3. Driveway Replacement in Busbridge or Charterhouse

• Breaking out old concrete or tarmac.
• Skip or grab load of hardcore and sub-base.
• Subsequent load of new sub-base deliveries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to organise the skip myself?

No. We handle all skip and grab bookings as part of the project.

Will a skip damage my driveway?

There is always some risk, especially with older or block paved driveways. We use protection methods where appropriate and discuss options with you beforehand.

Can I put my own household rubbish in the skip?

Skips arranged for the project are costed based on type and volume of landscaping waste. Small amounts of additional household waste may be acceptable by agreement, but hazardous or prohibited items are never allowed.

Can you remove waste from projects you didn’t install?

In some cases, yes — particularly where we are taking on remedial works or re-building older patios and driveways. We will always confirm scope and costs during a site visit.

Which areas do you cover?

Godalming, Milford, Farncombe, Witley, Busbridge, Charterhouse, Hurtmore, Hambledon, Chiddingfold and nearby Surrey villages.

Planning a Project That Will Generate Spoil?

If you’re in Godalming or the surrounding areas and are concerned about waste removal, skip placement or driveway impact, we can factor all of this into your quotation and project plan from the outset.

Discuss Your Project & Waste Plan

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