Experts warn of 1 surprising item you should never put in your garden waste bin this summer
Your garden waste bin is great for getting rid of grass cuttings, clippings from plants, and small branches you encounter when tidying up outside. But there is one thing that should never be disposed of in this bin - and doing so could see you fined.
Branches, grass cuttings, and leaves are all garden matter that can be composted when it reaches the recycling point. But putting soil in can lead to contamination which will instead mean it has to go to landfill, experts have warned.
While many might assume soil can be deposited in that bin, there's some reasons why it is banned. Waste experts at Wheeldon Brothers said trying to sneak it in can cause issues for you and for your local council.
They explained: "Soil is heavy, doesn't compost in the same way as leaves or grass, and can cause serious wear and tear to collection equipment.
"It's also a big contributor to overloaded bins – which can be dangerous for workers and may lead to your waste being left behind.'
Instead, they recommend other ways of disposing of any soil you want rid of. For small amounts, it's suggested to add it to a home compost heap or redistribute it around your garden.
And for larger quantities, your local recycling centre is the best bet. They also have identified four other things that should never be thrown into the garden waste bin or homeowners could face a council warning or even suspension of your bin service.
1. Pet waste
Whether it's from dogs, cats, or unwelcome garden visitors like foxes, animal waste is a major red flag when it comes to garden bins.
'Animal waste may seem biodegradable, but it can harbour bacteria and parasites that aren't destroyed by standard composting temperatures,' warns Wheeldon Brothers. 'Putting it in with your garden waste risks contaminating the whole batch – making it unusable and potentially hazardous.'
Instead, follow your council's guidance on pet waste disposal, or bag and bin it with general waste.
2. Invasive plants
Yes, they're from your garden – but non-native or invasive plants like Japanese knotweed should never go in the garden waste bin.
'Improper disposal of invasive species is one of the biggest legal risks people overlook,' say the Wheeldon Brothers team. 'You could face a fine of up to £5,000 if you dispose of these plants incorrectly. In some cases, you even need a licensed waste carrier.'
Always check government guidance if you're not sure. These plants spread aggressively and can wreak havoc on ecosystems if not handled properly.
3. Food waste
Even if it's something like fruit peel or a tea bag, food waste and garden waste are not the same thing.
'Adding kitchen scraps to your garden waste bin can attract vermin and throw off the delicate microbial balance in composting systems,' the experts explain. 'Food waste should go in a separate caddy if your council provides one, or on a home compost heap where you can control the conditions.'
Repeat offences can lead to council fines or suspension of your bin collection.
4. Plastics and rubble
Plant pots, seed trays, broken tools – if it's plastic or synthetic, it doesn't belong in your garden bin.
'A lot of people assume that because something came from the garden, it's suitable for the garden waste bin – but plastics and rubble are a big contamination risk,' Wheeldon Brothers said.
'These materials don't break down, damage composting machinery, and can spoil entire loads of otherwise usable compost.'
Keep an eye out for accidental plastic too – like labels or netting wrapped around plants. The expert added: "We know it's not always clear what belongs in which bin, especially in the garden."
But a bit of care goes a long way. Following the rules protects the environment and avoids unnecessary costs.
So next time you're clearing out your flower beds or trimming the hedge, double-check what you're throwing away – or risk more than just a messy garden.
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