Where does your green waste actually go?

When an operator takes a clean green waste load, it does not go to landfill. It goes to an organics facility where it is shredded and turned into compost, mulch or soil conditioner, which is why keeping the load clean is worth the effort.

The process is simple. Garden organics are tipped, screened for contamination, shredded, then composted in windrows or turned into mulch. Councils, landscapers and farms buy the end product back, so the material stays in the loop rather than taking up landfill space.

Landfill is the worse outcome for green waste. Organic matter buried in landfill breaks down without oxygen and releases methane, a far stronger greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide. Diverting the same material to composting avoids that and produces something useful instead.

Contamination is what sends a load the wrong way. A green load with soil, treated timber, plastic or rubbish mixed through it can be rejected at the organics gate and diverted to landfill, so a dirty load is worse for both your wallet and the outcome.

You can help by keeping the pile clean and, where it suits, asking the operator whether the clean load goes to an organics facility. Most do, because the gate fee is lower.

Green Waste Removal Near Me lets you submit one free enquiry to eligible listed operators for this kind of green waste. Contact and availability are subject to acceptance.