Experts are warning households to be extra careful when it comes to what they’re putting in their green bins, as many may be unknowingly flouting the rules
UK households are being urged to think twice before chucking garden waste into their green bins, as experts reveal one common blunder could be throwing a spanner in the works of recycling systems across the country.
According to My Home Improvements, an increasing number of households are unwittingly fouling up their green waste collections with soil, a material many assume is safe, but is actually prohibited by most local authorities. While it might seem innocuous, soil is too heavy, tricky to process, and often riddled with pests or diseases that can spoil entire batches of compost.
“It’s one of the most common mistakes we see,” remarked a spokesperson from My Home Improvements, adding that “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”. This comes after the ‘UK’s most dangerous plant’ left a toddler in A&E with second-degree burns.
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Instead, contaminated collections often end up being dispatched to landfill, piling on costs for councils and wreaking havoc on the environment.
The alert comes as summer gardening peaks, with numerous gardeners busy clearing flower beds, repotting plants, or revamping their outdoor spaces.
Residents are now encouraged to check what can and can’t go in their green bin via their local council’s website and to offload soil through appropriate avenues such as household waste recycling centres. However, it’s not just soil you need to keep an eye on, reports the Express.
Other forbidden items include: Japanese knotweed; food waste; plastic bags and plant pots; pet waste; timber; rubble; and treated wood. Tossing any of these into your garden bin could result in your waste being left uncollected, or worse, a fine.
Experts suggest checking your council’s garden waste guide, as every local authority has different rules. In addition to this, using a compost heap and bagging things separately can help to avoid any issues too.
The spokesperson added: “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.
“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.”