People often assume that food waste can go in the green bin [stock image] (Image: Getty)
Even the biggest compost bins are full to bursting as Storm Benjamin strips trees of their leaves. But as gardeners clear soggy foliage, prune dying blooms and cut back perennials, they’re being warned to double-check what they put in their garden waste bins.
“November is one of the busiest months for garden waste as people get their gardens ready for winter,” says Ali Lijee, waste management expert at Rubbish.com.
“But a lot of homeowners don’t realise that not everything natural belongs in the green bin. Councils have very specific rules to protect the environment and the people handling your waste — and ignoring them can be costly.”
Many people unknowingly put items into garden waste bins that shouldn’t be there, Ali adds.
Councils across the UK have been cracking down on contamination in garden waste collections, with residents facing penalties ranging from £100 to £5,000 for improper disposal.
Compost bins only have so much room for fallen leaves [stock image] (Image: Getty)
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“November is one of the busiest months for garden waste as people get their gardens ready for winter,” says Ali.
“But a lot of homeowners don’t realise that not everything natural belongs in the green bin. Councils have very specific rules to protect the environment and the people handling your waste — and ignoring them can be costly.”
He adds that even small mistakes, such as mixing in soil, kitchen scraps or certain invasive plants, can turn an entire bin lorry’s load into landfill waste. “That means your efforts to recycle actually do the opposite — wasting resources and increasing costs for everyone,” he warns.
There are rules governing how you burn garden waste, too [stock image] (Image: Getty)Soil
With the autumn clean-up in full swing, it’s tempting to scoop up fallen soil from planters or dig-outs and tip it straight into the garden waste bin. But Ali says that’s one of the biggest mistakes you can make.
“Soil might look harmless, but it doesn’t decompose in the same way as leaves, clippings or dead flowers,” he explains.
“When people tip it into their garden waste bin, it makes the bin much heavier and can damage collection vehicles and equipment.”
Many local councils ban soil altogether because it can clog composting systems and push bins over weight limits. Ali recommends reusing or recycling it responsibly instead.
“Small amounts of soil can be added to a home compost heap or reused for potting plants. For larger quantities, the best option is to take it to your local household waste recycling centre, where it can be properly processed.”
And if your garden beds have become waterlogged from November rain, Ali advises letting soil dry out before moving it. “Wet soil weighs more than you think. A full bin could end up being too heavy to lift, which might mean your collection crew refuses to empty it.”
Adding leftover pumpkins to your garden bin could lead to contamination an (Image: Getty)Food waste
With compost heaps slowing down in the colder weather, many people make the mistake of thinking the garden waste bin is a good place for kitchen scraps. But according to Ali, adding leftover pumpkins, apple cores or peelings to your garden bin could lead to contamination — and even attract rats.
“People often assume that because it’s organic, food waste can go in the green bin. Unfortunately, that’s not the case,” he says.
“Food breaks down differently to garden material. It can create unpleasant odours, attract vermin and interfere with the composting process at the recycling facility.”
Local authorities take this seriously, with fines of up to £100 for repeat offenders. “If your council provides a food waste caddy, use that instead,” Ali advises.
“Otherwise, you can compost fruit and veg scraps in your garden — but avoid adding cooked food, meat or dairy.”
He adds that some autumn leftovers can actually be put to good use: “Don’t bin your old pumpkins. Remove the seeds, let them dry and replant them next spring. It’s an easy, cost-free way to grow your own.”
Japanese Knotweed is a knotty problem for gardeners [stock image] (Image: Getty)Invasive plants
Perhaps the most serious mistake gardeners can make is disposing of invasive plant species in their garden waste bin. Plants such as Japanese knotweed, Himalayan balsam and giant hogweed are not only unwelcome — they’re illegal to dump.
“These plants are classed as controlled waste under UK law,” warns Ali.
“If they end up in composting facilities, they can spread rapidly and cause significant environmental damage.”
The penalties are steep: individuals can be fined up to £5,000, while businesses could face £20,000 or even prosecution. “If you suspect you’ve got an invasive species, it’s vital to check before disposing of it,” he explains.
“The correct method often involves contacting a licensed waste carrier or following strict containment procedures outlined on your local council’s website.”
Ali says knotweed is particularly problematic in late autumn, when gardeners cut back dead stems or dig up roots.
“Even a small fragment of knotweed rhizome can regrow. It’s one of the most aggressive plants in Britain. Putting it in your garden bin is like giving it a free ride to someone else’s garden.”
Gardners are reminded to double-check their garden waste [stock image] (Image: Getty)The £5,000 reminder
Ali stresses that these rules aren’t designed to make homeowners’ lives harder, but to prevent serious environmental and safety issues. “Garden waste is meant to be a clean, compostable stream,” he says.
“When people add the wrong things, it not only increases costs for councils, but can cause contamination that makes the entire batch unusable.”
To stay on the right side of the rules this winter, Ali recommends always checking your local council’s website before filling your bin. “Each area has slightly different rules,” he explains.
“Some will accept small twigs, others won’t take conifer cuttings. Knowing what’s allowed helps avoid surprise fines and keeps the process sustainable.”
He also suggests using the colder months to start home composting. “Even in winter, compost heaps can continue working slowly,” says Ali.
“Add dry materials like leaves and shredded cardboard to balance out the moisture. It’s cheaper, greener, and keeps your garden bin clear for what it’s meant for.”
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