- Barna Recycling
- Jun 17, 2024
- Garden Waste
Best Ways to Get Rid of Garden Waste (Everything You Need to Know)
Summer is finally here, and so is the opportunity for you to get those gardens and patios summer all ready. Want to find out the best ways to get rid of garden waste? We’ll tell you everything you need to know, from where you can dispose of garden waste to where to recycle it.
With the temperatures climbing and the promise of bright sunny days ahead, our reliance on our outdoor spaces is likely to be a big part of our lives over the next weeks (and months – fingers crossed!).
So, why not take the opportunity to revamp your outdoor space and tidy up your garden? Whether you’re planning parties with friends or simply enjoying family time, it’s important to consider and understand what garden waste items are recyclable and how best to dispose of them.
In this blog, we’ll look at the best ways to effectively get rid of garden waste while minimising its impact on the environment.
What is ‘Green’ Garden Waste?
The term “green” garden waste refers to organic materials generated from routine maintenance activities. Proper garden waste management is not only necessary for a well-kept landscape, but it’s also a contributor to environmental sustainability. ‘Green’ garden waste is biodegradable, which means that it can be broken down by natural processes, and consists of:
- Plant trimmings and pruning
- Lawn clippings
- Leaves and twigs
- Flower cuttings and deadheads
- Vegetable and fruit scraps
Reusing and recycling green waste can bring a number of benefits:
- Composting provides you with a valuable soil fertiliser.
- Reduces disposal costs while also creating a valuable, usable product.
- It is a natural method of processing material which would otherwise be landfilled.
However, cleaning up your garden may also generate waste items that are not considered ‘green’; therefore, they cannot be composted:
- Stones or gravel
- Concrete
- Dirt or rocks
- Animal waste
- Treated or painted wood
- Glass
- Metal
- Soil
Best Ways to Get Rid of Each Type of Garden Waste
Green Garden Waste Disposal and Where to Recycle Garden Waste
Understanding and effectively managing green garden waste is crucial for maintaining a healthy garden and promoting environmental sustainability. We have listed disposal options for you to consider when doing a garden waste clearance:
- Composting at home is probably the best method of garden waste disposal. It is a fantastic way to get the final use of your organic garden waste since compost is rich in nutrients and great for your garden, shrubs, or even indoor plants. Here is a helpful guide to get you started on composting.
- Grass Recycling. When mowing the grass in your lawn, you can choose to leave the grass clippings on the ground to decompose naturally. Once on the ground, the grass clippings become dry and decompose quicker, returning valuable nutrients like nitrogen back into the soil.
- Brown Waste Bin. You can also dispose of your green garden waste by putting it in your brown bin. See our blog post on organic waste management and what can go into the brown bin.
- Civic Amenity Sites. Alternatively, you can bring large volumes of your green garden waste to our Ballinasloe, Carrowbrowne and Cartrontroy Athlone recycling centres.
Garden Chemicals & Liquids Waste Clearance
Garden chemicals and liquid waste would include weed killers, petrol/fuel for your lawnmower, pesticides and herbicides, fertilisers, and some plant foods. It is essential to store and dispose of these items correctly since some of them can be hazardous and very harmful to the environment. Always follow the instructions on the product label. Here are some best practices you can implement when doing your waste clearance. Not only will you witness a thriving landscape, but you will also make a positive impact on the environment.
- Always try to use Garden Chemicals in full as opposed to having to dispose of leftovers. Be sure to get in-store advice on how much you need beforehand so that you are only buying as much as you need and not overstocking/overusing.
- While purchasing these items, consider the recyclability of the packaging and see if environmentally friendly alternatives are available.
- When storing these items, be sure to retain all original packaging and labelling, so you are aware of any expiry or use-by dates. This will assist in disposing of the item correctly.
- ALWAYS remember that liquids of any kind should NOT be included in your general waste bin.
- ALWAYS remember NOT to mix chemicals for disposal under any circumstances, no matter how small the quantity. This can lead to the emission of toxic gases, which can be highly lethal and could lead to hospitalisation.
- Alternatively, you can also check with your local civic amenity sites to see if they accept chemical items as part of their hazardous waste services. Please be sure to check our website for the complete list of items accepted at your nearest centre.
- If the civic amenity site cannot take the item, contact a specialist hazardous waste company that may collect the item from you directly.
Old Swing Sets and Garden Furniture Disposal
If you have an old garden swing or garden furniture that is still in working condition, you can consider selling it, passing it on to someone else, or donating it to local charity shops. You can bring them to your nearest local civic amenity site if they require disposal. Most wood, metal, and plastic furniture are all widely accepted and recycled at civic amenity sites.
Check out Barna Recycling’s list of civic amenity sites here.
Why Not Consider Hiring a Skip for Garden Waste?
If you have large volumes of garden waste or are undertaking bigger garden projects where you are completely redoing your lawn, landscaping, cutting or removing hedging, then hiring a skip would be the right option for you.
You can order a skip by calling our skip team on 091-771619 or enquiring through our website, where you can see the sizes available.
With Barna Recycling, You Can Say Goodbye to Clutter
Recycling garden waste materials promotes sustainability and reduces landfill waste. Utilising Barna Recycling’s civic amenity sites and applying our top tips on the best ways to get rid of garden waste can ensure responsible waste management while promoting environmental stewardship and maintaining the beauty of your outdoor space.
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