The short answer
Removing and disposing of an old garden fence typically costs £5–£15 per metre when done alongside a new installation, or £150–£500 for a typical garden as a standalone job. Digging out old concrete footings and hiring a skip are the biggest variables. Many fencers include removal in their quote for a new fence – always check.
Taking down an old fence looks simple: unscrew the panels, pull up the posts, load the van. In practice, posts are often set in large lumps of concrete, panels fall apart as you lift them, and you end up with a surprising volume of waste.
Here's what professionals charge and what you need to think about if you're tempted to do it yourself.
What's included in the price
If you're getting a new fence installed, removal is usually quoted as part of the job. That's normally the cheapest way to do it, because the fencer is already on site and will often need to dig out the old footings anyway. As a standalone job, there's a minimum charge and the fencer may need to bring a skip or trailer specifically.
- Unfixing and lifting out panels or boards
- Cutting down or digging out posts
- Breaking out concrete footings
- Loading and disposing of timber, concrete and fixings
- Leaving the area clear for the new fence
Concrete footings
Old posts set in concrete are the hardest part. Each footing can weigh 30–60kg and may need breaking up with a breaker bar or small jackhammer. If the new fence posts can go in different positions, fencers sometimes leave old footings in place and cut the posts off below ground level, which saves time and money.
Our guide to how deep fence posts should be explains why footings are the size they are.
Disposing of the waste
Old fence timber is usually treated wood, which some councils classify differently from general garden waste. Most household recycling centres accept it, but some charge for hardcore and concrete, and vans and trailers may need a permit. A mini skip (2–3 yards) is often enough for a typical garden fence; larger runs or lots of concrete may need a midi skip.
Don't burn old fence panels. Treated timber can release harmful chemicals, and bonfires can cause problems with neighbours.
Doing it yourself
Removing a fence yourself can save money if you have the time and a way to dispose of the waste. Wear gloves and eye protection, watch for rusty nails, and take care with panels in the wind. Check with your neighbour before you start, especially if the fence is shared or theirs. If you're unsure who owns the fence, see which side of the fence is mine.
Getting quotes
When you compare quotes for a new fence, check whether removal and disposal are included, and whether old concrete will be dug out. You can get free quotes from local installers for fence panels or closeboard fencing.