Nine things experts say never put in garden waste bin or face a fine

Daily Mirror

15-05-2025

While regulations differ by council, there are several items typically prohibited from garden bins - and any mistakes could result in a fine or warning
Residents are being warned of nine garden bin errors that might cost a pretty penny. With spring in the air luring folk to their gardens, green-thumbed Brits are urged to be mindful of what goes into their green or brown waste bins or risk fines up to £5,000 or compromising their clean record.
Populating your garden receptacle with the wrong rubbish can bring about a hefty penalty, and while each council's rules vary, common prohibited items could trigger a fine or caution.
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If you put something in the bin that doesn't belong there, some local authorities might leave it right where it is – unemptied. A stern notice from one council reads: "If our crews report that your bin has the wrong items in it, we will not return before the next scheduled collection. You will also need to make sure you have removed the wrong items before you put it out again on your next scheduled collection."
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You can check your local council's website or use the gov.uk bin checker to see exactly what's allowed in your area. And here's a heads-up. Garden bins are only for organic waste like grass clippings, leaves, and branches, but there are specific items to avoid putting in them.
Knotweed
At the top of the list of blunders is disposing of Japanese knotweed in garden bins, as this rapidly spreading invader is banned under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and tossing it incorrectly could land you in serious trouble.
Failure to comply with disposal regulations can land you with a hefty £5,000 fine or even two years behind bars under the stringent Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as unruly plants take root in wild spaces. Jennifer Holmes of Japanese Knotweed Ltd cautions, "It can be easy to think that binning noxious plant material won't be noticed, but in reality, you could get caught by the council."
On top of this, Holmes offered a stern warning: "If you think you have knotweed on your property, do not dig it up yourself. You'll just be encouraging the plant to spread. It is an illegal act to dispose of it yourself."
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Soil and compost
Meanwhile, when it comes to brown bins, plants are welcome but soil or compost certainly isn't. Councils typically prohibit these because they can throw a spanner in the works for the composting process and add extra weight to collection trucks. Make sure you shake off any excess dirt from plant roots before tossing them.
Food waste
As for food waste, whether it's leftovers or just peels, most local authorities don't allow it in garden bins. These scraps should be placed in your kitchen caddy or grey bin - your council's guidelines will tell you which is appropriate. Mixing green waste with food scraps can be an open invitation to vermin and cause sanitation problems.
Plant pots
Despite the material they're made from, you can't chuck them into your garden waste bin. Whether they're plastic, terracotta, or even biodegradable options, they're all excluded. Pots, trays, and even growbags have to find a home elsewhere, not in your green waste.
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Plastic bags
Even if marked "compostable" or "biodegradable", most plastic bags are not allowed in garden bins, as they may not break down properly during industrial composting. Instead, tip garden waste in loose or use compostable liners approved by your council if permitted.
According to one council, liners, bags, or sacks can get entangled in machinery, shredding the garden waste and contaminating the compost produced.
Timber or treated wood
Brown bins are not for old fence panels, decking, or garden furniture. Treated wood, especially with preservatives or paint, is not considered green waste and should not be included.
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Rubble, hardcore, or stones
Rubble, hardcore, or stones can release toxic chemicals during composting and are not suitable for brown bins. These heavy materials, including bricks, concrete, and stones, are classified as construction waste, not green waste.
Including them can damage collection machinery, and most councils won't collect them in standard garden bins.
Pet waste
Pet waste from dogs, cats, or other animals is not allowed in garden bins, even if bagged, as it's a biohazard that cannot be safely composted. Instead, dispose of it in general waste.
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Some councils may accept it in biodegradable bags, but always check.
Liquids or chemicals Liquids or chemicals should never be tipped into your garden bin. These can taint the entire load and pose a risk to workers and the environment.
Most need to be taken to specific waste disposal centres. It's crucial to remember that rules can differ between local authorities.
A good rule of thumb is if you're unsure, don't bin it. Instead, visit your local council's website or use the gov.uk bin checker to find out exactly what's permitted in your area.