Councils Crack Down on Garden Waste Contamination Ahead of Autumn Cleanup

In the lead-up to winter, gardeners across the UK are facing increased scrutiny from local councils over their garden waste disposal practices. According to waste management expert Ali Lijee, November is one of the busiest months for garden waste as people prepare their gardens for the colder months, but many homeowners are unaware of the strict rules in place to protect the environment and the workers handling their waste.

Councils have been tightening enforcement, with fines ranging from £100 to £5,000 for incorrect disposal. Even minor errors, such as mixing in soil, kitchen scraps, or certain invasive plants, can render an entire bin lorry's load unusable, effectively undoing the gardeners' recycling efforts and increasing costs for everyone.

Lijee warns that soil, in particular, is a common mistake, as it doesn't decompose like leaves or clippings and can damage collection vehicles and equipment. Many councils outright ban soil in garden waste bins, advising homeowners to reuse or recycle it responsibly instead. Similarly, adding food waste can attract pests and interfere with the composting process, leading to potential fines.

As the autumn tidy-up continues, gardeners are urged to carefully check their local council's guidelines and avoid the temptation to simply dump everything into the green bin. By following the rules and finding alternative solutions for non-compostable materials, they can ensure their recycling efforts have a positive impact on the environment.