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What can I put in my brown (garden waste) bin?

Wheeled bin with lid open

You should use your brown (garden waste) bin to recycle garden waste items.

A list of items which can and can't be recycled in your brown (garden waste) bin are listed below.

Please note: garden waste collections are currently a paid for service. For information on how to subscribe see garden waste collection (apply or renew). 

What can I put in my brown (garden waste) bin?

  • Grass cuttings
  • Leaves
  • House plants and dead plants*
  • Small branches
  • Twigs
  • Hedge clippings
  • Wind fallen fruit
  • Weeds
  • Cut flowers
  • Compostable coffee pods 

*Please shake as much soil or compost off plant roots before placing them in your brown bin.

What can't I put in my brown (garden waste) bin?

  • Cooked or uncooked food waste
  • Soil or compost
  • Plastic bags
  • Rubble and hardcore
  • Vegetable peelings
  • Food packaging
  • Packaging labelled as 'compostable'
  • Plant pots
  • General waste
  • Liquids
  • Dog and cat waste
  • Timber or wood
  • Invasive plant species such as Japanese Knotweed (for removal advice see invasive weed problems

Food Waste

You can no longer use your brown bin for food waste. This should be disposed of in your grey bin or home compost.

In colder weather the material in your brown bin may freeze making it difficult to empty. Please make sure that material in your bin is loose when you put it out for collection.

For useful tips on how to reduce your food waste see reduce food waste.

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