Experts have warned that households may be contaminating their waste collections with soil – and have revealed that councils are already starting to ban it from green waste bins
UK households are facing potential fines for placing one particular item in their garden bins as new regulations loom. Local councils and authorities are prohibiting soil from green waste containers in preparation for fresh legislation being rolled out by the Labour government next year.
“It’s one of the most common mistakes we see,” declared a representative from My Home Improvements. “Soil might look natural, but it causes major issues for councils trying to turn garden waste into compost. Even a little bit can ruin a whole batch”.
“Garden bins are not a catch-all for anything green. What feels natural to toss may be harmful to the environment, your community, or the composting process,” the spokesperson continued. It comes after an expert revealed how to kill lawn weeds overnight without using chemicals
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“If you’re unsure, always double-check before you throw something away. The five minutes it takes to look it up could save you a £400 fine and a big headache down the line.” Households across the UK risk contaminating their refuse collections with soil, experts are cautioning, reports Birmingham Live.
This development follows announced changes set to come into force next year, mandating homes to utilise four separate containers. The fresh regulations are due to commence from March 2026.
The document titled ‘Simpler Recycling in England: policy update’ states that most residences and businesses will require four receptacles, which could include bags, wheelie bins, or stackable containers.
Alongside soil restrictions, the Government website features guidance entitled “Prevent Japanese knotweed from spreading”. The guidance states: “You must dispose of Japanese knotweed waste off-site by transferring it to a disposal facility that’s permitted, e.g. a landfill site that has the right environmental permit.
“You must prevent Japanese knotweed on your land from spreading into the wild and causing a nuisance. You could be fined up to £5,000 or be sent to prison for up to 2 years if you allow contaminated soil or plant material from any waste you transfer to spread into the wild.”
This indicates that trimming knotweed or excavating it and transporting it to your local household waste centre without the proper environmental permit could result in penalties or imprisonment.
“You must not dispose of Japanese knotweed with other surplus soil or sell soil contaminated with Japanese knotweed as topsoil,” the guidance continues.