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Garden Waste Disposal: Your Complete Guide

Green Skip Hire Team5 January 20266 min read

Introduction

Whether you're tackling an overgrown garden, landscaping a new outdoor space, or just doing your annual garden clearance, you'll likely end up with a significant amount of green waste. But what's the best way to dispose of it?

In this guide, we'll explore all your options for garden waste disposal in Telford and the surrounding areas.

What Counts as Garden Waste?

Garden waste (also called green waste) includes:

  • Grass cuttings and lawn clippings
  • Hedge trimmings and shrub prunings
  • Leaves and plant material
  • Weeds (be careful with invasive species)
  • Small branches and twigs
  • Bark and wood chippings
  • Old plants and flowers
  • Fruit and vegetables from the garden

Garden Waste Disposal Options

Option 1: Skip Hire (Best for Large Projects)

For major garden clearances, landscaping projects, or overgrown garden transformations, a skip is often the most practical solution.

Best skip sizes for garden waste:

  • 2-3 Yard Skip (from £140) - Small garden tidy, hedge trimming
  • 4-6 Yard Skip (from £180) - Medium garden project, lawn removal
  • 8 Yard Skip (from £260) - Large landscaping, complete garden renovation
Advantages:
  • Handle large volumes quickly
  • Convenient - delivered to your door
  • Can mix with other waste types
  • 14-day hire gives you flexibility
Cost: From £140 depending on size and location

Option 2: Council Green Waste Collection

Telford & Wrekin Council offers a garden waste collection service:

  • Fortnightly collection during growing season
  • Requires subscription (approximately £40-50 per year)
  • Limited to one bin per fortnight
  • Not suitable for large projects
Best for: Ongoing garden maintenance, small regular amounts

Option 3: Composting at Home

The most eco-friendly option for suitable garden waste:

Suitable for composting:

  • Grass cuttings (in thin layers)
  • Soft plant material
  • Leaves
  • Vegetable peelings
Not suitable for composting:
  • Diseased plants
  • Invasive weeds (Japanese knotweed, bindweed)
  • Woody branches (unless shredded)
  • Treated wood
Tip: Mix green waste with brown material (cardboard, dry leaves) for best results.

Option 4: Local Recycling Centre

Telford Household Recycling Centre accepts garden waste free of charge:

  • Address: Hortonwood, Telford
  • No appointment needed
  • Weight limits may apply for some vehicles
Best for: Small to medium amounts when you have transport

Garden Waste and Skip Hire: What You Need to Know

Mixing Garden Waste with Other Waste

Yes, you can mix garden waste with general household waste in our skips. However:

  • Avoid large amounts of soil (very heavy)
  • Don't include hazardous plants without informing us
  • Rocks and rubble should be declared

Japanese Knotweed Warning ⚠️

Japanese knotweed is classified as controlled waste and requires special disposal. It cannot go in a standard skip. If you have Japanese knotweed, please contact us for advice.

Soil and Turf

Soil is very heavy and can quickly fill a skip. If you're removing large amounts of soil:

  • Consider a separate soil skip
  • Declare soil content when booking
  • Heavy waste may affect skip size recommendations

Seasonal Considerations

Spring

  • Hedge trimming surge
  • Lawn renovation
  • Book skips early during busy periods

Summer

  • Grass cutting peaks
  • Regular garden maintenance
  • Consider smaller, more frequent skips

Autumn

  • Leaf clearance
  • End of season pruning
  • Preparing beds for winter

Winter

  • Tree surgery (fallen trees, storm damage)
  • Hard landscaping projects
  • Planning for spring projects

Eco-Friendly Disposal

At Green Skip Hire, we're committed to environmental responsibility:

  • 90% of all waste is recycled or recovered
  • Garden waste is composted at licensed facilities
  • Wood is chipped for biomass or mulch
  • We divert waste from landfill wherever possible

By choosing Green Skip Hire, your garden waste gets a second life as compost, mulch, or renewable energy.

Ready to Clear Your Garden?

Whether you're tackling a weekend tidy-up or a complete garden transformation, we're here to help.

Get an instant quote for garden waste skip hire, or call us on 01952 930930 for expert advice on the best solution for your project.

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