What can I put in my garden bin?
Please put the following waste in your garden bin:
- Leaves and weeds
- Grass and hedge cuttings
- Tree and shrub pruning’s
- Small branches and twigs
- Garden plants
- Windfall fruit or home-grown vegetables (that haven’t been indoors or used in food preparation)
Please do not put the following in your garden waste bin:
- Any food waste (including peelings)
- Plastic bags or biodegradable liners
- Cardboard or paper
- Plant pots
- Pet waste
- Soil, turf, or large pieces of wood/branches
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.
Our garden waste is processed at an open-windrow composting facility, which composts material outdoors. This method does not reach the high temperatures required to safely break down food waste and can lead to contamination and pests. If unsuitable items are found, crews may not empty your bin until your next collection, and you will need to remove the incorrect waste first.
We are preparing to introduce separate food waste collections from April 2026 under the government’s simpler recycling initiative. This will give residents a dedicated way to dispose of food waste and improve recycling quality.
By keeping food waste out of your garden bin, you help ensure the compost produced is clean, safe, and high-quality.
Thank you for your support.