If you own a garden you are probably all too familiar with the sheer amount of green waste that it accumulates. Households in England produce an average of 0.79 kg of garden waste per day or 288 kg per year.
A potter about on a spring day or some much needed pruning can quickly see your once a month garden waste bin filled up with only a fraction of the job complete. Many see their garden as a hobby and a much needed distraction throughout the pandemic, whereas others see it as a costly inconvenience.
If you have left your garden a little neglected or inherited an unloved one when you move to a new property it can be a time consuming and costly undertaking. Firstly make sure you have all the right equipment for the job such as gloves, garden rake, dustpan and brush, dustbin, weed killer, spade and hand trowel, lawn mower, leaf blower and pruning shears. Always consider your safety so glasses/goggles and strong protective boots are also a must.
For a cheaper method of disposal we recommend separating your waste into two categories: general household waste such as bricks, ceramic pots and plastic bags or green waste (which includes weeds, grass and hedge trimmings, soil etc). Never dispose of waste in public areas, even if it is green waste this will still land you in trouble. It can lead to land damage, by killing native plants, blocking waterways and it can often be a potential fire hazard. You can contact your local council to find out where your local household waste recycling depot is or alternatively look up your local garden waste recycling centre online.
For your green waste a compost bin is an environmentally friendly and fairly cheap way of disposing of your garden waste such as leaves, grass trimmings and bark. You can also use it to dispose of kitchen wastage such as vegetable peelings and food waste. Investing some time and money into creating a compost area is definitely cost effective over time and is also great for your garden, creating nutrient-rich soil for future growth so you end up with healthier plants and flowers. Although you can do an open pile of compost this can be unsightly and smelly which is not ideal particularly if you do not have a huge garden, which can often be the case in London. For this reason many people choose to buy a compost bin from their local garden centre. A compost bin is best placed in a flat area of the garden which has good drainage, is sunny and where it sits on bare soil. Allowing optimal aeration and drainage. This allows the microorganisms and insects found in soil to easily access the compost and get to work in rotting the material inside. If the only home you can find for your compost bin is on a patio or concrete slab then ensure you add a layer at the bottom of compost or alternatively a mix of twigs and paper.
Layering in compost is particularly important starting with twigs to aid drainage and allow air to get into the compost, followed by layering green garden waste such as clippings with brown materials such as soil or manure and alternating this the compost heap creates the perfect conditions for soil ready to be used in your garden. The 50/50 of the green and brown waste is the secret to good compost manure. Without the brown layer the compost will decay more slowly. Green waste includes flowers, vegetables, fruit peels, scraps, tea bags, egg shells and coffee grounds. Brown waste includes dried leaves and grass clippings, bark, straw, paper towels, egg cartons, newspaper, brown paper bags, cardboard and sawdust. Be aware some items are not decomposable such as charcoal, chemical logs, cooked meats, dairy products and pet waste
Although not the most eco-friendly (and therefore not our preferred!) option, many people choose to burn the green waste in an incinerator or bonfire which is perfectly legal providing they do not cause any kind of nuisance, though it is always worth checking that your local council do not have any time restrictions for burning. Be mindful if your garden is next to a road that smoke is not going to obstruct drivers views and also be considerate of your neighbours and make sure they are not out enjoying a day sunbathing in their garden! To ensure a less smokey bonfire, it is always worth making sure your green waste is dry before burning it.
At skipmate.com we provide a comprehensive garden clearance service offering a quick, flexible and competitively priced solution to your waste removal needs so you can sit back, relax and enjoy your garden without having to get your green fingers dirty!
Get in touch with skipmate.com today.