Garden waste
Information on how you can compost, what happens during the process and handy tips for successful home composting.
Facts and figures
- Organic waste such as garden and kitchen waste can account for over 30 per cent of the content of the average household dustbin.
- By composting this at home you can help reduce the half a million tonnes of waste produced by households in Hertfordshire each year.
- Bacteria, fungi, insects and animals that live within the soil perform the composting process.
- Composting is a natural process and is nature’s own method of waste disposal and soil fertilisation.
Why compost?
- Compostable waste (that which will decompose) such as garden waste, food and paper, represents a huge environmental problem once disposed of in landfill. Decomposition of organic waste within landfill occurs without oxygen. Under these conditions, methane and carbon dioxide, both toxic greenhouse gases are produced which are a major contributor to global warming.
- A further problem is leachate, which is produced when the movement of water through landfill washes toxins through to produce a build up of toxic liquid. This can cause serious ground and water pollution if it is not managed.
- In response to environmental concerns, the Landfill Regulations were introduced, which established targets for reducing the amount of biodegradable household waste landfilled. Also authorities are allocated limited permits for the disposal of biodegradable waste to landfill and exceeding these permits risks huge fines.
- Disposing of biodegradable waste is also a loss of an important resource. Green waste is excellent for producing compost and is a lasting alternative to peat (a resource which has nearly run out in the UK).
How can I compost?
Kerbside collections - The council collect garden waste for composting fortnightly. To take part you will need to have a brown wheelie bin provided by the council or buy compostable garden waste sacks. For more guidance on this service, please see our recycling services page.
From an environmental position, home composting is the best option for dealing with garden waste and some other organic materials. Composting allows us to manage this waste where it is generated, with very little environmental impact. It also enables organic material to be returned to the environment in the form of a soil improver. Composting at home reduces the overall amount of waste that requires collection, transportation and management, saving energy. Home composters are available through Hertfordshire County Council at a discounted price (from as little as £14.00). For more information download the online order form, visit WasteAware or telephone the WasteAware helpline on 08457 425000.
Alternatively you can take your garden waste to any of Hertfordshire’s Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). Here the waste is shredded and composted to produce soil improver and this is available for purchase from the sites at £2.90 for a 40 litre bag. Hertfordshire County Council makes a charge to cover the cost of bagging and transportation.
The composting process
Compost forms when organic material (that from living animals and plants) is broken down in the presence of oxygen. There are two main stages:
Compost usually takes about 3-9 months to mature and it should be taken from the bottom of the heap, allowing the partially composted and newer material to remain. |  |
Home composting advice
Your composter should be placed somewhere sunny because its warmth will speed up the composting process. Also, composters should be positioned on bare, well-drained soil or grass to enable the ‘chompers’ access to the material and allow drainage. The following list gives you an idea of what you should and shouldn't compost.
Yes please | No thanks | To speed up your home composter |
|---|---|---|
| Grass cuttings | Turf or soil | Chop or shred tough stems or prunings. |
| Plants and weeds | Persistent weeds (such as ragwort) | Turn the heap occasionally or add a little crumpled newspaper. |
| Hedge clippings | Meat, bones and fish | Keep it moist - add a little water in hot weather if necessary. |
| Woody prunings | Dairy products | Add large amounts of mixed material at a time - a good mix is essential. |
| Flowers | Cooked foods | |
| Leaves and bark | Nappies or sanitary products | |
| Crushed eggshells | Pet litter or dog/cats mess | |
| Raw vegetables and fruit | Shiny paper | |
| Tea leaves and coffee grounds | ||
| Shredded paper/soft card | ||
| Hair and fur | ||
| Chopped straw and hay |
For more information
The HDRA website is specifically aimed at schools who compost.
The Community Compost Network's site is also packed with lots of information.
Lastly, Waste Online provides information on most wastes, including a good composting section.