What Garden Waste Can Go in the Brown or Green Bin?

Whether you’re a keen gardener or you’ve finally just decided to tackle that overgrown hedge at the back of your property, you’re going to need to know where to put all of your garden waste. You’re probably pretty sure that the brown/green bin is for garden waste, but what kind of garden waste? Can any other types of waste be put in there? We’re going to be tackling these questions today.

Key Takeaways: 

• Grass, leaves, twigs, plants, food scraps and most food waste can go into the bin.
• Soil, large logs, bricks, furniture, treated wood, and certain hazardous plants cannot go into the bin.
• If you have a lot of waste or your thinking of having a garden clear-out, it can be better to hire a skip.

Types of Waste That Go in the Brown or Green Bin

If you live in Staffordshire, Cheshire or the Midlands, here are the different kinds of waste that you can put in the brown or green bin:

• Garden plant waste
• Food waste
• Branches (small)
• Egg shells
• Hedge cuttings
• Leaves
• Moss
• Plants
• Shrubs
• Teabags
• Uncooked food
• Vegetable peel
• Twigs
• Weeds
• Flowers
• Food waste (cooked and uncooked)
• Scraps
• Greenery
• Bouquets
• Arrangements
• Cuttings
• Coffee grounds

There you have it – an exhaustive list of all the items that you can put in the brown/green bin. As you can see, you are pretty safe putting all types of green waste and food waste in the brown/green bin, so no matter what sort of gardening you’re doing, you should be pretty safe.

Types of Waste That Can’t Go in the Brown or Green Bin

If you’ve taken a look at the list and realised some of the things you want to get rid of aren’t on there, then perhaps the work you are carrying out is a little closer to landscaping than general gardening. Here is a list of the items that you shouldn’t be putting in a brown bin:

• Garden furniture
• Treated wood
• Soil, bricks or rocks
• Large logs
• Building waste
• Certain controlled plants and cuttings

Large logs and treated wood such as garden furniture can’t be shredded like twigs and small branches can, so you will have to use a different method. The same applies to concrete, stone and other solid forms of building waste.

There are also certain plants that are prohibited as they are classed as ‘hazardous’ or problematic and need to be disposed of separately.  Check online or with your local authority for information on these.

Hire a Skip for Large Garden Waste

If you need to dispose of large garden waste such as logs, bricks, rocks, and garden furniture, hiring a skip is your best option. By choosing a reliable skip hire company like Brown Recycling, you can benefit from our convenient skip hire service available throughout Staffordshire, Cheshire, and the Midlands. We offer a variety of skip sizes to ensure you find the perfect fit for your project.

Why Can’t I Put Soil in the Brown or Green Bin?

So, if you’ve read both lists, you could well be wondering why you can’t put soil in the brown/green bin. It’s not too hard like bricks or rocks, and it’s not too large like logs or garden furniture, so what’s the problem? Well, the main issue is that large amounts of soil can make the bin extremely heavy and difficult to empty, which ultimately inhibits the composting process.

To dispose of soil, you have several options. You can reuse it in your garden by adding it to flowerbeds or garden pots. Alternatively, you can take it to a local household waste recycling centre. Be sure to check with your local authority for specific guidelines and any potential charges.

Next Steps

If you’re taking on a gardening or landscaping project and think you will have a large build up of waste at the end, call Brown Recycling. 

We offer a wide variety of different skips and can drop them off anywhere in Stafford, Crewe, Leek or any of the surrounding areas. For more information, all you have to do is get in touch, or alternatively, you can book a skip online through our website.