Gardeners across the UK are being urged to complete three important tasks this weekend while dry weather is forecast, with the risk of fines up to £1,000 for improper disposal of garden waste.
This weekend is forecast to be largely dry across many parts of the UK, making it a good time to get outside. As winter approaches, such days will become rarer, so it is important to prepare properties before the rain and cold set in. However, there is an important rule to keep in mind while clearing gardens, as falling foul of it could lead to fines of up to £1,000.
Prioritise key areas first
Miroslav Radov, waste removal expert and founder of Rainbow Rubbish Removals, has shared his top tasks for this weekend and how to avoid a costly fine. He said: “Most people don’t want to spend their entire weekend clearing the garden, and you don’t need to.”
“Start with the places you use every day: the steps outside your back door, the route to your bins and the area around accessible drain covers. It is much more useful to finish those jobs than empty the shed, rake the whole garden and leave everything in a pile you still haven’t arranged to dispose of.”
Clear drains and paths
Before the rain sets in, he recommends that all people with gardens ensure they can drain water easily. If you have stormwater drains on your property, clear them of all fallen leaves to prevent floods.
It is also a very good idea to clear the path to and from your home, as well as checking the steps. Wet leaves can make these paths slippery, and it is important to think of your safety. If you are taking the bins out late at night, it is easy to fall and hurt yourself if you have not maintained your paths.
Miroslav said: “Think about the route you walk while carrying a full rubbish bag, when it may be dark or raining. Clear those steps and narrow paths first. Once you finish, put tools away and move bags out of the walking route.”
Dispose of waste correctly
As you tidy the garden, make sure you know how to dispose of rubbish. Cleaning the garden can turn up all sorts from plant pots to packaging, as well as the usual garden waste.
Miroslav said: “Keep suitable plant material separate from plastic pots, bags and general rubbish. Check your council’s accepted materials before filling the garden bin. Something being used in the garden does not automatically make it garden waste.”
Once you have cleared the leaves from your drains and paths, you don’t necessarily need to throw them all away. They can be reused as mulch or composted. However, it is very important to be careful how you dispose of or compost these leaves. All garden waste is still waste if illegally dumped, and can be classed as fly-tipping. Some councils can issue a fixed penalty notice for up to £1,000 if they find you have been fly-tipping garden waste.
