Raking up leaves and clearing your gardens, driveways, or other outdoor areas might seem like a harmless Sunday chore, but it’s one that could end up being rather expensive if certain mistakes are made. As autumn reaches its peak, councils are warning residents that sweeping leaves into the street, bagging them incorrectly, or putting them in the wrong bin could result in fines.
Ali Lijee, waste management expert at Rubbish.com, says: “It’s one of the most common mistakes we see every year. People assume that because leaves are natural, they can go anywhere, but that’s not the case. Where you put them, and how, matters more than you think.”
Putting leaves in the wrong bin
One common mistake Ali has highlighted is putting leaves in the wrong bin, as many households believe these belong in their recycling bin, especially when they’re dry. He explains: “Leaves, grass cuttings and twigs should go in the garden-waste bin, not the recycling or general waste. When leaves are wet, they turn slimy and contaminate paper, cardboard and plastics.”
Some councils now treat persistent contamination as a finable offence, and repeat contamination can lead to fines of around £80–£110, depending on the borough.
Sweeping leaves into the street or drains
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, sweeping or dumping garden waste on public land can result in Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) of £100–£150.
Ali added: “The rule is simple. Keep your leaves on your property. Bag them properly or compost them, but don’t push them out into the road. Once they leave your drive, they become someone else’s problem and that’s where fines come in.”
Using black plastic bin bags
Throwing fallen leaves into plastic bin bags may seem like a simple way to tidy your outdoor spaces, but this can actually cause major processing problems once it reaches the composting facility.
Most UK councils require residents to use compostable liners or leave garden waste loose inside the green bin, and if you use a plastic bag, the whole bin can be marked as contaminated, which could lead to a missed collection or a £60 fine for incorrect waste presentation.
Leaving leaf piles by public bins or parks
Some well-intentioned individuals may rake their leaves into bags and leave them beside public litter bins or in park corners, thinking council teams will collect them.
Ali explains: “It’s technically fly-tipping, even if you think you’re helping. It’s treated the same way as dumping a bag of household rubbish in a lay-by.” Fines for fly-tipping start at £150 and can reach £400 for repeat offences.
Burning leaves or garden waste in built-up areas
You may feel a touch of nostalgia at the idea of disposing of leaves with a bonfire but they can also lead to penalties if neighbours complain. The expert says: “In urban areas, most councils have strict rules about burning garden waste.
“Smoke, ash and odour can be classed as a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act. You could be fined £100–£150 on the spot, or even more if the council has to take action.”
Alternatively, instead of disposing of fallen leaves, you can use them for mulching.After being collected, these leaves can be distributed over grassy areas, flowerbeds and even within small plant pots to protect plants from the cold winter weather.
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