Properly maintaining your garden is key to creating an outdoor sanctuary you can be proud of. But what should you do with your garden waste? Here, we’ll explore everything to do with garden waste removal near you – from who can do the job to how much you can expect to pay.
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Your questions answered about garden waste disposal near you
How should I dispose of garden waste?
If you have garden waste to dispose of, there are a few options you can choose from.
Local council
If you regularly have small amounts of green waste to dispose of – such as grass clippings or hedge trimmings – it can be a great idea to use your council’s garden waste removal scheme.
Normally, you’ll receive a green bin (or a brown bin in some areas) and have regular collections. Depending on your location, it might be free or you might have to pay a yearly fee.
Skip hire
If you need to dispose of a large amount of garden waste from a one-off project, you could choose to hire a skip.
This is also a great option if you have more than just green waste to remove. For example, perhaps you need rubbish removal from the interior of your house as part of a larger renovation project.
Waste removal company
If you have a lot of garden waste and you need it all to be removed in one go, hiring a waste removal company could be the best solution.
They’ll be able to collect your garden waste in a van and take it to an approved recycling centre. Some companies will bag up the waste for you as well, but they won’t do any gardening.
Gardener
If you’re already hiring a gardener or garden clearance service, they might be able to dispose of your garden waste for you as part of the job.
Always ask your gardener how they plan to dispose of your waste. If they’re providing regular grass cutting and garden maintenance for you, they might prefer to compost your waste or use your green bin instead of transporting it to a recycling centre.
Who can carry out garden waste clearance?
Any contractor who removes waste from your property – garden waste or otherwise – must be a licensed waste carrier.
If they’re not, they won’t legally be able to transport your waste or dispose of it. If they do, they could be prosecuted. And, if the waste is traced back to you, you could also be prosecuted for encouraging fly-tipping!
So, if you’re hiring a professional to carry out garden waste clearance, always check they’re fully licensed and legally able to complete the job.
How do gardeners get rid of garden waste?
Not all gardeners will remove green waste. Instead, gardeners have a number of options when it comes to dealing with garden waste following a job.
These include:
- Visiting a privately-owned or specialist recycling centre
- Using your domestic green waste bin
- Mulching it
- Hiring a skip
- Using a Hippobag (similar to a skip but available from local hardware stores)
- Creating a compost heap
Always talk to your gardener beforehand to make sure you come up with a solution that you’re both happy with.
What happens if you put garden waste in your normal bin?
That depends on your local council.
Many local councils will let you put garden waste in your normal bin without any consequences. But while there’s often nothing to stop you from doing this, it’s not ideal.
The waste from your normal bin is usually sent to landfill or incinerated to produce energy. These aren’t the best destinations for your garden waste – firstly, garden waste is compostable, which is a much more environmentally-friendly alternative to landfill. And secondly, garden waste contains a lot of moisture, which reduces the efficiency of energy generation.
Bear in mind also that putting garden waste in your normal bin takes up valuable space. If you fill your bin to the extent where the lid won’t close or it’s too heavy, your council may not empty it.
Is dumping garden waste illegal?
Yes, dumping garden waste anywhere is illegal – even if you dump it somewhere it may eventually compost down, such as a hedgerow, field, or woodlands.
Dumping your garden waste in this way is classed as fly-tipping. It can block drainage ditches, can prevent landowners from cutting their grass, and can even be deadly to wildlife and livestock.
If you’re caught disposing of your waste in this way, you could be fined.
Can I take garden waste to my local tip?
Yes, you should be able to take your garden waste to your local tip. Just make sure to check that it has the facilities to dispose of garden waste before you make the trip.
Bear in mind that your local tip will usually be for domestic waste disposal only. That means that, if you hire a professional such as a gardener or a waste disposal specialist, they won’t be able to use these facilities.
Instead, they’ll need to travel further to a privately-owned or specialist recycling centre where they’ll be charged to dispose of your garden waste.
What is an example of garden waste?
The term ‘garden waste’ refers to organic waste such as grass, weeds, bushes, and flowers.
Sometimes, the term is also used to describe other garden items such as broken fence panels, old decking, or cracked garden ornaments. These items aren’t technically garden waste. But many specialists offering garden waste removal near you will still be able to dispose of them for you.
Why hire a professional for garden waste collection near me?
If you have a large amount of garden waste that you need to get rid of, hiring a professional who’s licensed to dispose of it can be a weight off your mind. Here are some of the main benefits.
Licensed
Hiring a licensed professional to collect your garden waste will ensure that it’s disposed of legally, safely, and in the most environmentally-friendly way possible.
Save energy
Garden waste can be heavy and bulky, making it difficult to carry and dispose of.
A specialist offering garden waste removal near you will have the skills and experience to dispose of your waste quickly and easily, so you don’t have to break a sweat.
Save time
Similarly, unless you have a large vehicle suited to the task, disposing of large amounts of garden waste can involve countless, time-consuming trips to and from the tip.
A professional will be able to carry out the job much more quickly and efficiently, saving you valuable time.
How much does it cost for garden waste disposal near me?
Your garden waste removal cost will depend on a number of factors, such as the type of garden waste, the quantity of it, and the method of disposal.
However, on average, you’re looking at between £70 - £290 for an independent company with a van to dispose of your garden waste.
If you want a professional to clear your garden before disposing of the waste generated, you’ll also need to add on the average garden clearance cost. This is around £52.50 per hour or £210 per load.
How do I find a reputable professional for garden rubbish clearance?
Ready to get that garden waste removed? Then you’re probably wondering how to choose the right company for garden waste clearance near you.
Here are our top tips.
1. Read reviews
Always check what other homeowners have said about any contractors you’re considering. That way, you can make sure you’re choosing someone that others rate.
2. Check that they’re licensed
Anyone offering to remove waste from your property should be licensed. Always ask so you’re confident they are legally allowed to carry out garden rubbish clearance.
3. Get multiple quotes
We always recommend getting at least three quotes for garden waste disposal near you. That way, you can make sure you’re getting a fair and competitive price for the work.
4. Use Checkatrade!
At Checkatrade, all our tradespeople have to pass up to 12 checks and are regularly reviewed by homeowners on everything from punctuality to professionalism. This means you can be confident you’re hiring someone you can trust.
Not only that, but when you book a trade through Checkatrade, their work is guaranteed for up to 12 months. Exclusions and T&Cs apply.
Ready to find a reliable expert offering garden waste removal near you? Enter your postcode into the box below to get started.