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Mobile Dust Suppression: How Much Does It Cost In 2025?

Published by Amy Carvell on Wednesday 4 June 2025

Last updated on Monday 23 June 2025

At Corgin, one of the most common questions we’re asked is: “How much does mobile dust suppression cost?”

And we get it - price matters.

While it’s not the only factor in choosing the right solution, it’s often one of the biggest. That’s why we’ve written this article: to be as honest, transparent, and helpful as possible. We understand the challenges you may face - tight budgets, regulatory pressure, unpredictable site conditions - and we want you to feel confident and comfortable in your decision.

In this article, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about the cost of mobile dust suppression in 2025. We’ll walk you through all the factors that influence pricing, from system type and power output to delivery, hire duration, and more.

What We'll Cover:

Part 1: Factors to Consider

Part 2: Understanding the Costs
Why Some Companies Are More Expensive
Why Some Companies Are Cheaper
Final Thoughts: What Should You Budget?

 

Part 1: Factors To Consider

Before diving into costs, it’s important to understand the key factors that influence which mobile dust suppression system is right for your site.

🧱 Application Environment

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The environment in which your system will operate plays a major role in determining the most effective solution:

Mines and Quarries:
  • These environments are often sheltered from wind and weather, making dust suppressants (oil or polymer-based) highly effective. They can bind dust at the source and remain active for longer periods.
Waste and Recycling Sites:
  • These often benefit from fixed or semi-fixed systems installed in waste bunkers or transfer stations, providing consistent suppression in high-dust zones.
Outdoor Construction and Demolition:
  • These sites are exposed to wind and changing conditions. Mobile mist cannons or suppression units are ideal here, as they can be repositioned based on wind direction and dust generation points.

Choosing the right system depends on how dust is generated and how easily it can be controlled in your specific environment.

💦 Methods of Suppression

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There are two main methods of suppression:

Water-Based Systems:
  • These use mist or spray to capture airborne dust and bring it to the ground. They are widely used, cost-effective, and suitable for most outdoor applications.
Oil or Polymer-Based Suppressants:
  • These are applied to surfaces to prevent dust from becoming airborne. While they come at a higher upfront cost, they can be more effective in enclosed or weather-protected environments and require less frequent application.

When comparing these options, consider not just the cost, but also the frequency of application, environmental conditions, and long-term effectiveness.

Part 2: Understanding The Costs

Once you’ve identified your needs, here’s how the different system components and features influence the final price.

🚜 Application Method

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Two common approaches are:

Tractor-Bowser Systems:
  • A cost-effective method that involves attaching a water bowser to a tractor and spraying water directly onto dusty roads or surfaces.
  • Effectiveness: While affordable, this method requires frequent reapplication due to evaporation and isn't effective at capturing airborne dust.
  • Price Range: £3,000 - £10,000
Self-Contained Mobile Dust Suppression Units:
  • These trailer-mounted systems include integrated generators or engine sets, pumps, tanks, and misting nozzles. They’re designed to atomise water into ultra-fine mist, capturing airborne dust and bringing it to the ground.
  • Effectiveness: They offer superior performance and flexibility, especially on dynamic or wind-exposed sites.
  • Price Range: £10,000 - £30,000

Mist cannons atomise water into ultra-fine droplets that bind with airborne dust, making them more effective than surface spraying alone.

⚡ Power Options and Output (kW)

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The power output of a system directly affects its performance - particularly throw range and mist density. Higher kW (kilowatt) systems can generate finer mist and project it further, making them more effective in capturing airborne dust particles.

Here are three typical examples:

4-5 kW systems:
  • Lower-cost units, suitable for small or enclosed areas with minimal dust spread.
  • Price range: £5,000 - £12,000
7-11 kW systems:
  • Mid-range systems ideal for general construction, recycling, or medium-sized outdoor sites.
  • Price range: £12,000 - £25,000
15-25 kW systems:
  • High-performance units capable of long throw distances (up to 70m), ideal for large, open, or wind-exposed sites.
  • Price range: £25,000 - £60,000+

While electric, diesel, and HVO-compatible systems are all available, it’s the power output - not just the fuel type - that determines how effective the system will be.

🎯 Throw Range and Dust Suppression Effectiveness

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Throw range determines how far the mist can reach and how much area it can cover:

Short-range:
Mid-range:
Long-range:
Extra-long-range:

Longer throw ranges are essential for large or open sites where dust is carried by wind. These systems can be repositioned to adapt to changing site conditions.

🧰 Added Extras and Customisation

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Optional features can enhance usability, safety, and flexibility:

Pressure Wash Lances
  • These allow the unit to double as a high-pressure cleaning system for equipment or site surfaces, reducing the need for separate wash-down equipment
  • Price Range: £500 - £2,000
Remote Control Operation
  • Enables operators to control the unit from a distance, improving safety and convenience - ideal for large or hazardous sites where manual operation is impractical
  • Price Range: £1,000 - £3,000
Fuel/Power Flexibility (e.g. Dual-Fuel)
  • Allows the system to run on multiple fuel/power types (e.g. battery, diesel or HVO), offering flexibility across different site requirements and sustainability goals
  • Price Range: £2,000 - £5,000
Auto-Rotation or Oscillation
  • Enables a mist cannon to sweep across a wider area automatically, improving coverage without manual repositioning, making it great for large or open sites
  • Price Range: £1,000 - £3,000
Draining Systems For Winter Use
Integrated Water Filtration Systems
  • Filters debris or particulates from the water supply to protect pumps and nozzles, reducing maintenance and prolonging equipment life
  • Price Range: £1,000 - £2,500

These extras can improve operational efficiency, reduce labour, and extend the system’s usability across seasons and site types.

🚚 Delivery and Logistics

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Delivery costs can vary depending on your location, the size of the equipment, and the supplier’s base of operations.

  • For sites located within central UK regions, delivery charges typically range from £100 - £300.
  • For remote or coastal areas, or where ferry crossings or special access are required, delivery can increase to £300 - £750+.
  • Urgent or same-day delivery may incur premium charges, often £500+, depending on distance and availability.

Choosing a centrally based supplier with a strong UK-wide logistics network can reduce downtime, offer more flexible scheduling, and improve responsiveness—especially during environmental emergencies.

📅 Hire Duration and Cost Efficiency

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How long you need the system for can significantly affect your overall spend:

Short-Term Hire:
  • Typically 1 - 4 weeks
  • Expect to pay £300 - £600 per week, depending on the unit’s size and features
Medium-Term Hire:
  • Typically 1 - 3 months
  • Weekly rates often reduce to £250 - £450 per week
Long-Term Hire:
  • Typically 3 months+
  • Weekly rates can drop further to £150 - £350 per week, offering significant savings over time.

If you anticipate needing dust suppression for several months or more, opting for a longer hire term can offer substantial savings compared to short-term or rolling hire. Hiring also avoids the upfront capital cost of purchasing a unit outright, which typically ranges from £10,000 - £50,000+ depending on the system.

Why Are Some Companies More Expensive?

Premium providers often offer:

These services add long-term value, especially for sites with strict compliance requirements or unpredictable dust challenges.

Why Are Some Companies Cheaper?

Lower-cost providers may:

  • Use lower-grade or imported components
  • Offer limited or no after-sales support
  • Have longer lead times for deliveries and call-outs
  • Provide slower response to urgent needs
  • Operate with smaller hire fleets
  • Have less engineering and customisation capability

While the upfront cost may be lower, the long-term reliability, flexibility, and support may not meet the demands of more complex or regulated sites.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Budget?

For most UK businesses in 2025, a reliable mobile dust suppression system will cost between £10,000 and £60,000, depending on your site conditions, application, and performance requirements.

The following two examples, show how the cost of mobile suppression units in 2025 can differ depending on the unit and options selected:

Example 1: Basic Rotary Cannon Mobile Dust Suppression Unit

  • Type: Rotary fan-based dust suppression cannon
  • Power: Low kW (typically 4 - 6 kW)
  • Throw Range: 10 - 20m
  • Effectiveness: Limited - mainly wets surfaces rather than capturing airborne dust
  • Lead Time: Longer (2 - 4 weeks)
  • Support: Minimal after-sales support; limited warranty or servicing options
  • Extras: Typically none or very basic (e.g. manual controls only)
  • Purchase Price: £5,000 - £10,000

This type of unit may “tick the box” for compliance but offers limited performance in windy or open environments. It’s a budget-friendly option but may not deliver the dust control results needed for more demanding applications.

Example 2: Self-Contained Mist Cannon Mobile Dust Suppression Unit

  • Type: Trailer-mounted, self-contained dust suppression unit with integrated generator, pump, and water tank
  • Power: High kW (15 - 25 kW)
  • Throw Range: 50 - 70m
  • Effectiveness: Excellent - ultra-fine mist captures airborne dust and brings it to the ground
  • Lead Time: Fast delivery (1 - 3 days from stock)
  • Support: Full after-sales support, servicing, and maintenance packages available
  • Extras: Includes remote control, auto-oscillation, programmable timers
  • Purchase Price: £30,000 - £60,000+

This unit is ideal for large, open, or wind-exposed sites where airborne dust is a major concern. It offers high performance, flexibility, and long-term reliability.

Hire vs. Purchase: Reducing Upfront Costs

If the upfront cost of a high-performance unit is a concern, hiring can be a cost-effective alternative:

  • Short-term hire: £300 - £1,200 per week
  • Long-term hire (3+ months): £150 - £900 per week

 

At Corgin, we offer a wide range of mobile suppression solutions - available for purchase or hire - with expert support, rapid deployment, and tailored advice.

📞 Get in touch today for a personalised quote or to arrange a site visit.

 

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