Garden waste bins are perfect for the disposing of organic matter and materials – think grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, leaves, weeds and flowers.
But did you know there’s an array of more unusual household items you can compost?
Whether you’re deadheading flowers, clearing out wilted houseplants or even giving yourself a haircut, some everyday household items can often go straight into your garden waste bin instead of your general rubbish.
It's worth noting that collection rules aren’t the same across the UK, so we'd recommend checking your local council’s guidance before adding anything unusual.
Here are six unexpected things many councils accept – and the common gardening material you should usually keep out.
Herbs and dead houseplants
If you’re one of those people who buys supermarket herbs only to use half and see the rest wilt and die – don’t worry.
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Many councils accept dead herbs and houseplants in garden waste collections, as long as you remove the plastic pot, decorative stones and any non-compostable accessories first.
Pet or human hair
Do you like to partake in a bit of home hairdressing but don’t know what to do with the trimmings?
Fear not – hair is a natural, organic material that's rich in nitrogen, making it a useful addition to compost.
Small amounts of clean human or pet hair can often be added to garden waste, where they’ll gradually break down and help feed soil microbes. If the hair has been heavily treated with dyes or chemicals, however, it’s best to check your council’s advice first.
Wooden plant labels or seedling trays
If made from untreated wood – not painted, varnished or coated in plastic – these can be broken down and added to your garden waste bin.
Natural cork
As long as the cork from your wine bottle is 100% natural, this can be recycled too.
Natural cork will typically have small, uneven holes or grain patterns, feel spongy and slightly rough, and spring back into shape if you compress it. Make sure synthetic corks always go in your general waste bin.
Sawdust and wood shavings
Got a DIY project on the go? Add sawdust and shavings from untreated, unpainted wood to your garden waste bin, where it will be an excellent carbon-rich material for composting.
Avoid adding sawdust from MDF, plywood or treated timber though, as these contain glues, preservatives or chemicals.
Cut flowers and faded bouquets
Lucky enough to have been treated to a bunch of flowers? Once you’ve removed any ribbon, plastic wrapping, florist’s foam or wire, the flowers themselves can usually go into your garden waste bin once they're past their best.
It’s an easy way to ensure they’re composted rather than sent to landfill.
One thing you shouldn't put in garden waste bins
Soil
It might seem like the most natural thing to put into a garden waste bin, but soil is one of the most commonly rejected items.
Unlike grass, leaves and other green waste, soil doesn’t compost in the same way. It also makes bins significantly heavier and can interfere with the commercial composting process used by many councils.
Instead, shake excess soil from plant roots before disposing of the plants, then reuse the soil elsewhere in the garden or mix it with homemade compost if it’s still in good condition.
Other items that don’t usually belong in garden waste bins
As well as soil, most councils ask residents not to put these items into garden waste collections:
- Plastic plant pots and trays
- Painted, treated or varnished wood
- Stones, gravel and rubble
- Pet waste
- Food waste (unless your council specifically accepts it)
- Invasive plants such as Japanese knotweed
As collection rules vary between local authorities, it’s always worth checking your council’s website if you’re unsure. Taking a few moments to sort your waste correctly helps prevent contamination and ensures more garden waste can be turned into high-quality compost rather than being rejected.
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Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.
