Garden waste - Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to the most frequently asked questions about the recently introduced garden waste kerbside collections.

Why do we collect garden rubbish?

We are doing this for many reasons. All councils have to meet statutory Government recycling targets and kerbside recycling is the only sensible way these can be achieved.

Wolverhampton’s current recycling rate is 25 per cent. The Partnership target for Wolverhampton is that the City must have a minimum recycling rate of 27.56 per cent by 2007/08. As part of the Council’s commitment towards recycling and exceeding the Government’s targets, the authority is introducing kerbside collection of garden waste that will be extended throughout the City.

What if I don’t want a ‘green’ garden waste bin?

Please keep hold of your recycling bin for now in case you want to change your mind. If you still think you’re not going to participate phone City Direct on (01902) 551155 and leave you’re details so that your box can be collected.

Can I have a smaller green bin?

Household’s who already have a smaller domestic bin (120 litre) may be issued with a smaller sized green bin upon request. An officer will discuss this with the householder and a decision will be made. Please phone City Direct on (01902) 551155.

Can I have more than one bin?

Each household is only entitled to one green bin per household. If you find that you are creating additional garden waste and cannot fit it into your green wheeled bin, you can buy subsidised compost bins through the Council.

Will I have to put the bin out on the collection day?

Yes, you will need to place the green wheelie bin at the edge of your property at the nearest point to the pavement/footpath or highway. It will be returned to the same position after emptying.

Should I put the ‘green’ garden waste bin out even though there is only a small amount in bin?

Yes. The specialised vehicle will only empty your green bin every other week.

What happens if I forget to put my green waste bin out for collection?

If you have forgotten to leave your bin out then it will not be collected until the next planned collection.

Is everything collected in the garden waste bin recycled?

Yes. The collected garden waste is taken to the on-farm composting site at Simpro Ltd, Coven. It is recycled into nutrient rich, environmentally friendly compost.

Can I put domestic waste in the ‘green’ bin?

No. The green garden waste bin is purely for garden waste such as grass cuttings, leaves, twigs, hedge trimmings, and weeds. If you put domestic waste into the bin it will not be emptied because it contains materials that cannot be composted.

What will happen then?

You need to remove the offending material from your garden waste and it will be collected on your next appointed day.

NOTE: If the green bin continues to be used for items other than garden waste it will be removed until the Council is satisfied the service will not be abused.

What can I put in the ‘green’ garden waste bin?

A sticker has been placed on your green garden waste bin detailing materials that are acceptable. These include: Grass cuttings, hedge clippings, tree prunings, christmas trees, woody green waste up to six inches in diameter.

We don’t want plastic bags, general rubbish, flowerpots, garden furniture, diseased plants, bricks and rubble, soil, building materials, food or kitchen waste and any animal waste products.

Why not print out this pdf and keep it in a handy place to remind what items can be recycled:

Do I put my garden waste in sacks or leave it loose in the bin?

Put all garden waste loose in your bin, it is vital the garden waste is kept free of plastic bags to avoid upsetting the composting process.

Will excess garden waste be collected if I leave it at the side of the green bin?

No. If you find that you are creating additional garden waste and cannot fit it into your green wheeled bin, you can buy subsidised compost bins through the Council.

Can I put my kitchen waste or food waste in the new green bin?

No. See what can I put in the green garden waste bin.

Can I put soil and rubble in bin?

No. However, you can take small quantities of soil and rubble to either Shaw Road or Anchor Lane Public Recycling and Waste Disposal sites.

Can I put animal bedding in bin?

No. It is important that the garden waste is kept free of animal bedding to avoid upsetting the composting process.

Can I put diseased plants in bin?

No. It is vital that garden waste is kept free of diseased plants to avoid upsetting the composting process.

Will I be able to purchase the compost?

No. All the garden waste is processed at the recycling centre and used internally.

Can I put animal faeces in the green bin?

No. It is vital that garden waste is kept free of animal faeces to avoid upsetting the composting process.

Should I put holes in bottom of bin?

No. Because it changes the structure of the bin and the liquid is a useful agent in promoting the composting process.

What is the weight limit allowed in the new green garden waste bin?

Householders are asked to use their common sense. The bin is only designed for small quantities of garden waste. The same weight restrictions as your domestic bin apply. The bin lid should also be down in line with Health and Safety requirements.

Can I put grass cuttings in the ‘green’ garden waste bin that have been treated with weed and feed?

Yes. Because the composting process is able to deal with materials that have received such treatment. However, this does not mean that you can dispose of any unused or part used garden treatment containers or packaging in the green garden waste bin.

Can I put newspaper at the bottom of my green bin?

No. This reason is that when the contents of the bin are deposited at the compost facility the newspaper tends to make its way to the surface and blows about and causes a litter problem.