‘It’s one of the most common mistakes we see’
UK households are being warned to never put one banned item their garden waste bins as this common error could be sabotaging recycling systems nationwide.
My Home Improvements reports that a growing number of families are unaware they are contaminating their waste collections with soil – a substance many believe is harmless, yet is actually banned by most councils.
Whilst it may appear harmless, soil is too heavy meaning it is a challenging to handle, and it also frequently contains pests or illnesses that can contaminate entire compost batches.
“It’s one of the most common mistakes we see,” said a spokesperson from My Home Improvements.
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“Soil might look natural, but it causes major issues for councils trying to turn garden waste into compost. Even a little bit can ruin a whole batch”.
This follows reports of the ‘UK’s most dangerous plant’ leaving a toddler requiring A&E treatment for second-degree burns.
Contaminated collections frequently end up being sent to landfill sites, adding expenses for local authorities and causing environmental damage.
The warning arrives as summer gardening reaches its height, with countless green-fingered enthusiasts occupied with tidying flower borders, repotting vegetation, or transforming their outdoor areas.
Residents are now urged to check carefully on what can and cannot go in their garden bin by consulting their local council’s website and to dispose of soil through proper channels such as household waste recycling centres reports the Mirror.
Other prohibited items generally include: Japanese knotweed; food waste; plastic bags and plant pots; pet waste; timber; rubble; and treated wood. Putting any of these into your garden bin could mean your waste gets left behind, or even worse, result in a penalty.
Specialists recommend reviewing your council’s garden waste guidelines, as each local authority operates different regulations.
Additionally, utilising a compost heap and separating items into bags can help prevent any complications.
“Garden bins are not a catch-all for anything green. What feels natural to toss may be harmful to the environment, your community, or the composting process,” the spokesperson continued.
“If you’re unsure, always double-check before you throw something away. The five minutes it takes to look it up could save you a £400 fine and a big headache down the line.”
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