Guide
How to dispose of garden waste
By ClearUp · Updated
In short: Garden waste can go in a council garden waste bin where one is offered, be taken to a household waste recycling centre, be composted at home, or be collected by a waste carrier such as ClearUp. Anyone you pay to take waste away must be registered as a waste carrier, and the householder is responsible for checking.
Your options
| Option | Best for | Things to know |
|---|---|---|
| Council garden waste bin | Small, regular amounts | Usually a paid subscription; limited to what fits in the bin each fortnight |
| Household waste recycling centre | A car or trailer load | Opening hours, vehicle rules and booking systems vary by council |
| Home composting | Soft green waste | Slow; woody material, weeds with seeds and diseased plants are not suitable |
| Collection service | Large or one-off amounts, overgrown gardens | Loading included; check the carrier is registered |
Check who takes your waste
Under the household duty of care in England and Wales, you are responsible for taking reasonable steps to make sure anyone removing waste from your property is authorised to do so. Ask for the carrier registration number and check it on the Environment Agency or Natural Resources Wales public register. If unregistered waste is fly-tipped, the householder can be fined.
What happens to collected garden waste
Green waste is normally taken to a licensed transfer station or composting facility where it is shredded and composted. Timber, fencing and mixed garden items are separated for recycling or disposal according to material. Soil and rubble go to inert waste facilities.
Can garden waste go in the general rubbish bin?
Small amounts are generally allowed, but councils ask that garden waste is kept out of general waste so it can be composted rather than landfilled, and bulky green waste will not fit in any case.