Garden Waste Information & Guidance
Garden waste(also called green waste ) is the organic material produced from maintaining gardens and outdoor areas at home such as grass cuttings, leaves, hedge trimmings and small branches. It’s biodegradable and usually collected through council garden bins or taken to HWRCs (recycling centres).
What Counts as Garden Waste?
- Grass cuttings and lawn clippings
- Leaves, twigs, hedge and shrub trimmings
- Small branches/prunings (typically up to ~5–7cm diameter)
- Flowers, plants, weeds (soil shaken off)
- Real Christmas trees (cut down to size)
What Doesn’t Count as Garden Waste
- Soil, turf, stones, rubble or hardcore
- Plant pots, seed trays, plastic ties or netting
- Food waste and animal bedding
- Japanese knotweed or invasive species (special handling required)
- Timber, fencing, decking or large logs
Tip: Keep garden waste bins free from contamination(plastic, soil, stones). Contaminated loads are often rejected or charged as general waste.
Disposal Options
- Council garden bin subscribe where available; follow size/weight rules.
- Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) — transport your own green waste if volumes are small.
- Home composting ideal for grass, leaves and soft trimmings.
- Licensed collection for bulky piles, oversized branches, mixed loads, or missed council collections.
For one-off clear-outs or mixed green waste, see our Waste Clearance in Reading or Domestic Waste Disposal service pages.
Preparation & Best Practice
- Cut down to size: shorter lengths are easier to handle and chip.
- Shake off soil: keep soil/stone out of green waste streams.
- Bundle safely: tie branches; avoid protruding thorns.
- Separate materials: bag leaves/grass; keep wood/timber aside.
Composting Basics (At Home)
- Balance “greens” (grass, fresh leaves) with “browns” (dry leaves, cardboard).
- Keep the heap slightly moist and aerated (turn every few weeks).
- Avoid cooked food, meat or dairy attracts pests and causes odours.
FAQs Garden Waste
Can soil go in the garden waste bin?
No. Soil, stones and turf are not accepted in garden bins; they require separate disposal.
Do you take branches and hedging?
Yes — for larger piles or oversize branches, book a licensed clearance and we’ll cut, load and remove responsibly.
Can I mix timber or fencing with green waste?
No. Timber, fence panels and treated wood are not green waste and should be separated for appropriate disposal.
What about invasive plants like Japanese knotweed?
Do not place knotweed in garden bins or compost. It needs specialist handling — contact us for compliant options.