Shipping Container Removal: How to Dispose of Your Old Shipping Container

Shipping containers are built to be indestructible. Each year, 2 billion metric tons of cargo cross the seven seas. The metal shipping containers on board carry 60% of the world’s trade, sheltering it from ocean waves, rain, wind, sun, and storms.

However, even shipping containers retire, and you can’t just stow unwanted containers under the bed or in the garage. Many shipping containers are upcycled or repurposed on land – but even if your container is beyond saving, there might still be some value hidden in its steel walls.

Do you need to dispose of a shipping container?

You might be tempted to leave scrap shipping containers to rot, so long as you have the space for them. But that’s not a good idea.

As they age, shipping containers start to degrade. They rust, develop holes, and could even leak harmful substances. They might even attract pests such as insects or small animals. A neglected shipping container can become a safety hazard and an environmental risk.

The longer you wait, the more difficult it becomes to remove a shipping container safely. You’ll end up paying extra for safe, professional shipping container removal and disposal. 

Regulations for shipping container removal and disposal

There are strict environmental regulations for shipping container disposal in England and Wales. They cover every detail, from handling hazardous materials to disposing of non-hazardous waste.

It’s worth using a licensed scrap dealer or specialist company for shipping container removal. They’ll be able to advise you on the regulations and dispose of containers safely. 

Legal scrap metal dealers are licensed by local councils. You can search for a scrap metal dealer or check their registration via the Environment Agency’s website.

How to get rid of unwanted shipping containers

Scrap isn’t the only way to get rid of an unwanted shipping container. Depending on the state it’s in, you could also sell it, donate it, recycle it, or upcycle it into a new structure. 

Don’t forget that you could avoid the issue altogether by hiring a shipping container instead of buying one. If you only need it for a short time, then renting a container is cheaper — and means you don’t have to worry about disposal later on.

Sell your shipping container

There’s always someone who needs a shipping container. That’s why there are millions dotted around the globe: on container ships, in storage yards, and in backyards!

So long as it’s still in acceptable condition, you might be surprised by how much an old shipping container is worth.

Check whether your old shipping container is still in usable condition by inspecting the following:

• No rust on the cross rails beneath the unit.
• No holes or gashes in the steel structure.
• Fully functional cargo doors.
• Fully functional locking rods.

You can sell a shipping container by listing it locally, posting it on social media, listing it on a container-specific website, or selling your container to a dedicated company. 

Donate your shipping container

If money’s no object, you could donate an old shipping container. Nonprofit organisations, charities, and community projects are often short on space. They could use containers for storage or repurposing — like this charity which turned shipping containers into homeless shelters. 

Upcycle your shipping container

There are so many ways to upcycle an old shipping container, even if it’s on its last legs. Old containers are often repurposed as an affordable storage option once they come off container ships. 

They can be modified or customised to become cafés, offices, shops, workshops, gyms, and even miniature homes. If a shipping container is in very poor condition, it could still be used for spares. Panels, doors, and floors can be taken out to repair other containers that still have life in them. 

Benefits of container upcycling

Upcycling a shipping container isn’t just a fun DIY project. It comes with a long list of benefits too.

Converted shipping containers have a much smaller carbon footprint than traditional buildings. If you want to build a small, portable structure, then they’re cost-effective and eco-friendly too. In some cases, you won’t even need planning permission for your shipping container.

You can customise retired containers to meet your exact needs. If you need more space, you can even stack shipping containers on top of each other or side by side.

Recycle your shipping container

If you can’t sell, donate, or upcycle your shipping container, then recycling is the most environmentally friendly way to get rid of it. 

Shipping containers are made of steel. The metal can be recycled and used to produce new goods. The whole process uses up much less energy than mining and refining new iron ore.

Parts of the shipping container can also be given to manufacturers for spare parts or repair parts. It’s a way for manufacturers to save money and reduce their carbon footprint. 

Benefits of container recycling

Every time a container is recycled, it saves a significant amount of steel and other materials from landfills. It not only reduces waste, but it also protects natural resources. We don’t have to spend energy on extracting new materials when recycled steel is available.

Scrap your shipping container

When a shipping container is completely derelict, it must be scrapped. If it’s rusting, dented, and unsafe, then you’ll need a registered scrap dealer to conduct a professional container removal and disposal.

Most scrap dealers won’t pay you for the container itself, but they will often cover the costs of taking it away. It’s worth it, since they’ll be able to scrap the metal correctly and dispose of any hazardous materials, such as asbestos or lead.

Don’t ever try to dispose of a dangerous container by yourself. Don’t resort to flytipping either – while scrap dealers will take a container for free, flytipping carries a hefty fine.

Do I need to dismantle a shipping container before it is scrapped?

Different scrap dealers have their own policies. Some will take old containers away whole and dismantle them at the scrap yard, but others might ask you to dismantle the container on your own first. 

Call around different scrap dealers and ask them how they usually work. Not everyone is up for dismantling a shipping container themselves, in which case you should be able to find a scrap dealer who will do it for you. 

Challenges of shipping container removal

There are several factors that make shipping container removal complicated. 

First, there’s the sheer size of them. Shipping containers are big! They also come in a range of sizes and shapes, which can require extra skill to dismantle.

Some containers are made with higher-quality steel than others, which might affect how they’re recycled. The types of wear that they’ve experienced can make a difference, too. For example, it’s harder to recycle shipping containers which have saltwater damage to the steel.

Old containers are also expensive to recycle. Transporting shipping containers to recycling facilities, dismantling them, and parcelling out different materials all cost money and time. In some cases, recycling a container might even be more expensive than producing a new one. 

Finally, it’s important to check that you’re working with a legitimate scrap dealer or experienced container trader. There are unlicensed dealers out there – and if they flytip your container or fail to dispose of hazardous materials, then you could be liable. 

Impact of improper shipping container disposal

Whether you upcycle, recycle, or scrap a container, it’s important to dispose of materials correctly. There can be serious effects on the environment if you don’t get it right.

Marine debris

Marine debris is an umbrella term for any solid litter that gets released into the ocean. In the bad old days, that included retired shipping containers, which would simply be abandoned at sea. 

We’re now more aware of the environmental effects. Governments and charities all over the world are monitoring water quality and waste disposal to prevent damage to the oceans.

Rusting

You might be thinking that leaving a shipping container to rust quietly away in a corner is the easiest option. But it’s actually one of the worst!

Rust is terrible for shipping containers. It causes holes in the steel, which means that the container can’t be reused or recycled. The rust also releases harmful chemicals into the environment which are dangerous to humans, wildlife, and plant life. 

Like marine debris, this risk to the environment is slowly being reduced. We now have the tools and the knowledge to recycle shipping containers before they become an environmental hazard.

Creative ways to repurpose shipping containers

Recycling or scrapping shipping containers is an effective way to keep them out of landfills. 

But repurposing containers is even better. When you upcycle a container, you get more use from the materials, reduce the strain on natural resources — and express your creativity!

Living spaces

Converting shipping containers into homes is an increasingly popular option. They’re cost-effective, sustainable, and have a small footprint. For those who already own a home, shipping containers can be used for extensions, garden rooms, guest houses, or simply extra storage space. 

Work or leisure spaces

Shipping containers are a useful way to extend your space for work or leisure. We’ve seen everything from home offices to home gyms, garden sheds, garages, workshops, and even swimming pools. 

Event spaces

Retired shipping containers make fantastic pop-up event spaces. They’re compact, portable, and can be adapted with features such as electricity and plumbing. Whether you’re going on the road or want to set up a temporary event space near your HQ, a shipping container can be a highly cost-effective option.

Agriculture

Retired containers are popular with small-scale farms because they’re so versatile. You can use an old container for storage, or add a few modifications to turn it into a workshop or barn. 

Construction

Walk past any construction site these days and, chances are, you’ll see a shipping container. They’re repurposed for everything from site offices to break rooms, since they’re portable and robust enough to survive on site.

The bottom line

The lifespan of a shipping container can extend for decades. But they don’t spend all that time at sea. Shipping containers can be used back on land for storage, spare parts, or upcycling into any number of business and residential uses. 

When they do reach the end of their usefulness, proper disposal or recycling ensures they continue to contribute sustainably. Whether you choose to scrap, recycle, or convert a shipping container, you’ll need an experienced and reliable company by your side. 

Get in touch with our team today for any advice you might need regarding shipping container disposal – or just to have a chat – no strings attached!