When you recycle your garden waste it is transformed into nutrient rich compost. This can then be used for land reclamation and remediation. In some areas it is sold back to residents for use in private gardens.
You can recycle most types of garden waste, including bark, flowers, grass and hedge cuttings, leaves, plants, small branches, twigs and weeds. If you are unable to compost at home, you can put your garden waste into your kerbside recycling container (in most areas), or take it to your local garden waste recycling point. There are around 130 garden waste recycling points across Scotland. The garden waste is then collected and taken to a central composting facility.
Facts about garden waste
- Garden waste makes up 20% of the average household bin (WRAP, 2002).
- In 2005/06, Local Authorities across Scotland composted 286,500 tonnes of garden waste (SEPA Waste Digest, 2006).
- Adding compost to soil increases the nutrients and crumb structure to help plants grow.
Can I compost at home?
Yes, it is very easy to compost your garden waste at home, along with some types of kitchen waste, to produce your own compost.
