If you are taking on a large gardening project such as landscaping or renovation work, it is natural that you will generate a large amount of garden waste. This can cause a problem when it comes to disposing of the waste, as dustbins and recycle boxes are often too small for all the extra clippings from the garden. By knowing what to do with certain kinds of garden waste (from wood to weeds), you can make sure you are disposing of these materials in a safe and environmentally-friendly way and recycling or reusing the rest.
Compost Heap
Many different types of garden waste such as leaves and grass can be added to your compost heap. Later, when your compost heap has worked its magic, you can then use the compost to fertilise your garden and help your plants to thrive. If you do not already have a compost heap, you can make one easily and cheaply using waste pieces of wood or other materials that you may have laying around your garden for the structure.
Follow these easy steps to create a compost heap:
1. Find a sunny patch of soil in your garden and either use a compost bin or build your own using wooden pallets or pieces from your garden. Build up your heap in layers by adding an equal amount of organic waste – both green and wood waste. Setting the bin on soil will allow worms and other micro-organisms to speed up the composting process.
2. Turn your compost heap regularly and then to mix the outside ingredients with the inside. Keep your compost heap sheltered from bad weather by keeping a lid on the heap as much as possible.
3. The process is complete when the mixture starts smelling slightly sweet and turns brown and crumbly.
Image source: Flickr – Kirsty Hall
Tree, Branch & Shrub Offcuts
Small amounts of offcuts from trees and shrubs can be used to create a dead hedge in your garden which will help you make the most of your waste as well as adding to the aesthetics of your garden. This can be done by simply pushing two lines of stakes into the ground parallel to each other, spacing them approximately 30-60 centimetres apart. You can then throw your offcuts into the space to act as an effective screen. The best thing about this idea is that it is sure to attract different types of wildlife to your garden.
Salvageable or Recyclable Wood
Small pieces of wood that are in good condition and are not rotten can be used in a number of different projects. For example, you could use them to build a spice rack for the kitchen, door stops for your family rooms or boot scrapers. Larger pieces of wood can also be cut to create bedside tables or other types of shelving for either the home or the shed. There are an endless amount of ideas on places such as Pinterest for things you can make with unused wood.
For materials that cannot be composted or reused, such as bricks and tree branches, we offer quality grab hire services right to your door. Contact us today and we’ll happily answer any questions or queries and organise disposal services for your next project.
