GARDEN FINE
The 9 garden bin mistakes that could land you with a £5k fine when sprucing up outdoors this summer
One common error could even lead to a criminal record.
HOUSEHOLDS are being warned to avoid nine garden bin mistakes that could land them a hefty fine.
With warmer weather luring homeowners back outside, gardeners are being urged to think twice before filling up their green or brown bins during a garden spruce-up.
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Tossing the wrong rubbish into your green or brown garden bin could cost you up to £5,000 or even a criminal record.
While rules vary by council, there are several items that are commonly banned and slipping up could see you slapped with a fine or warning.
You can check your or use the gov.uk bin checker to see exactly what’s allowed in your area.
Here are nine things you should never dump in your garden bin this summer.
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Japanese knotweed
Topping the list of costly errors is Japanese knotweed, a fast-growing invasive plant you’re banned from dumping in your garden bin.
The aggressive species is classed as controlled waste under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and if it’s disposed of incorrectly, you could face serious penalties.
Failing to follow the rules could see you hit with a £5,000 fine or up to two years in prison under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 if the plant spreads into the wild.
Jennifer Holmes, from Japanese Knotweed Ltd, warned: “It can be easy to think that binning noxious plant material won’t be noticed, but in reality, you could get caught by the council.
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"Furthermore, not having knotweed disposed of under UK legislative rules means you’re harming the environment by creating more infestations – instead of getting rid of them.”
She added: “If you think you have knotweed on your property, do not dig it up yourself. You’ll just be encouraging the plant to spread. It is an illegal act to dispose of it yourself.”
Removing Japanese Knotweed
How much does it cost?
Getting rid of knotweed properly isn’t cheap – and definitely not a DIY job for most.
According to Checkatrade, removal costs typically range between £1,500 and £2,000, but prices can soar depending on the extent of the infestation.
For larger patches, full excavation and disposal can hit £20,000, especially if the property is being sold or developed.
Most professionals offer long-term treatment plans, including 10-year warranties or insurance-backed guarantees – sometimes needed for mortgages.
Can I remove it myself?
To do it legally and safely, you’ll need to wear protective gear, follow guidance for herbicide use, and use a licensed waste centre for disposal. You must not put any knotweed in household bins.
Even soil that’s been in contact with knotweed is classed as controlled waste.
And it can take up to five years to fully kill it off – so it’s not a quick fix.
Soil or compost
While your plants may be welcome in the brown bin, their roots better be clean.
Most councils ban soil or compost because it can contaminate the composting process and weigh down collection trucks.
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Shake off as much earth as possible from roots before binning plants.
Food waste (cooked or raw)
Even peelings and fruit scraps can be a no-go.
Garden bins are usually for green waste only and food scraps belong in your kitchen caddy or grey bin, depending on your council’s setup.
Mixing the two can attract pests and create hygiene issues.
Plant pots
Plastic, ceramic or biodegradable — it doesn’t matter.
Pots, trays and growbags can’t go in garden bins.
They need to go in general waste or recycling, depending on the material and council policy.
They’re considered non-organic contamination.
Plastic bags
Even “compostable” or “biodegradable” bags are usually banned from garden bins, as they often don’t break down properly in industrial composting.
Always tip garden waste in loose or use council-approved compostable liners if allowed.
Timber or treated wood
Old fence panels, decking and garden furniture can’t go in your brown bin.
Wood is not the same as green waste especially if it’s treated with preservatives or paint, which can release harmful chemicals when composted.
Rubble, hardcore or stones
Heavy garden leftovers like bricks, concrete and stones are classed as construction waste, not green waste.
Most councils won’t collect these in standard garden bins, and putting them in can damage collection machinery.
Pet waste
Dog and cat waste (even if bagged) is banned from garden bins.
It’s a biohazard, can’t be safely composted, and must be disposed of in general waste.
Some councils accept it in special biodegradable bags but always check.
Liquids or chemicals
Never pour paint, fertiliser, weedkiller or any kind of liquid into your garden bin. These can contaminate the entire load and are dangerous for workers and the environment.
Most need to go to special waste disposal centres.
It’s important to note that rules will vary between local authorities.
A general rule to go by is if in doubt, don't chuck it out.
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Instead, head to your local council’s website or use the gov.uk bin checker to see exactly what’s allowed in your area.
What can you put in your garden bin?
The rules vary by council, but in most cases, you can chuck in:
- Grass cuttings
- Leaves
- Twigs and small branches
- Cut flowers
- Windfall fruit
- Hedge trimmings
- Weeds (excluding invasive species)
- House plants (without soil)
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