Disposal guide
How to Get Rid of a Shipping Container
A plain guide to getting rid of an unwanted shipping container: the options you have, what affects the cost, what to send for a quote and how to get your site ready for collection.
An emptied container, ready to go
The short answer
To get rid of a shipping container, empty it, photograph it and the route to it, and send those photos with the postcode and size to a removal company that has its own lifting vehicle. The company should then tell you whether the container will cost money to dispose of, can be collected free of charge, or is worth buying.
The rest of this guide goes through each step in more detail.
Know your options
There are three possible outcomes when we collect a container, and condition is what decides between them.
Pay for disposal
If the container is in poor condition, the cost of lifting, transporting and disposing of it can be more than it is worth.
Free removal
If it still has some value, that value can cover the cost of collecting it, so the removal is free.
Sell it
If it is in good enough condition, we may buy it from you. Selling a container
Getting rid of a shipping container, step by step
1. Empty the container
Take out everything you want to keep and anything that should not travel. If something will be left inside, say so when you ask for a quote.
2. Measure and photograph it
Note the length if you can: 10ft, 20ft and 40ft are the most common sizes. Photograph each side, the doors, the inside and the floor, plus close-ups of any damage.
3. Check the access
Look at the route from the road. Note narrow or low gates, soft ground, and cables, trees or roof edges near the container.
4. Ask for a quote
Send the photos, postcode, size and access notes using our quote form. We will tell you which of the three outcomes applies.
5. Agree a collection date
Pick a date when the route will be clear and someone can meet the driver.
6. Collection day
Our HIAB lorry sets up on firm ground, lifts the container onto its bed, secures it and takes it away.
What affects the cost of shipping container removal
- Condition. The biggest factor. Sound doors, roof and floor make a container more useful to its next owner.
- Size. Longer containers need the right vehicle to lift and carry them.
- Location. Where the container is affects the collection.
- Access. Tight gates, soft ground and overhead obstructions all need planning.
- Quantity. Several containers from one site can often be planned together.
Things to avoid
- Leaving it too long. A container that is left to rust loses value, which can turn a free collection or a sale into a disposal cost.
- Moving it yourself. Containers need proper lifting equipment and training to move safely.
- Surprises on the day. Contents, attachments and access problems that were not mentioned can hold up a collection.
Have a portable cabin to get rid of as well? See portable cabin removal.
Shipping container disposal: common questions
How do I get rid of a shipping container?
Empty it, take photos of the outside, doors, inside and the access, note the size and postcode, and send them to a removal company with its own lifting vehicle. With us, you will then find out whether you pay for disposal, removal is free or we buy the container.
Can I get rid of a shipping container for free?
Sometimes. Where a container still has enough value to cover the cost of collecting it, we can take it away free of charge. Condition is the main factor, along with size and location.
How much does shipping container removal cost?
There is no single price, because condition, size, location and access all differ. Some removals cost money, some are free and in some cases we pay you. We tell you which applies after seeing photos.
What happens to old shipping containers?
Containers that are still sound are sold on and used again. Some are refurbished. Those beyond reuse are scrapped so the steel can be recycled.
Do I need to be on site on collection day?
Someone who knows the site needs to be available to meet the driver, open gates and confirm where the lorry can stand.
Can I move a shipping container myself?
Shipping containers are heavy steel structures and need the right lifting equipment and training to move safely. It is a job for a company with suitable vehicles, such as a HIAB lorry.
Got a container or cabin you want gone?
Send us a few photos, the postcode and a rough idea of access. We will tell you whether you pay for disposal, whether removal is free or whether we can buy it.