Improper garden waste management can have a negative environmental impact in many ways. The most obvious issues are soil and water pollution, but it can also result in a loss of biodiversity, as well as fewer natural resources. In addition to the impact on the environment, it takes a toll on animals and, of course, humans. Here’s what you need to know about garden waste and sustainable practices.
The Environmental Impact of Garden Waste
With the ability to recycle and embrace renewable energies, we have entered the age of sustainability and it’s something people can embrace in their everyday life. That includes dealing with garden rubbish removal in Sydney.
When garden waste is disposed of improperly, it ends up being sent to landfills. Once in the landfill, it is unable to break down as quickly and naturally as it would if disposed of correctly. The outcome of this is greenhouse gases being released, which impacts water and soil.
You can reduce your impact on the environment by adopting sustainable garden waste removal practices, which means composting as much as possible and recycling the remaining garden waste.
Waste Reduction and Prevention in the Garden
- Composting
You can compost with a variety of items, including grass clippings and other garden waste. However, you can also use certain types of paper, as well as food scraps and coffee grounds. A home compost bin or pile is considered black gold by gardeners, with it providing nutrient-rich soil to aid plant growth. Audits have highlighted that the vast majority of waste in Australia’s landfills could have been composted.
Any plant waste or clippings you place in the compost bin should be chemical-free. So, if you have used a herbicide or pesticide, they will leech into the rest of the compost and corrupt it. Fruits and vegetables are generally suitable for composting but go easy on the banana peels. Your compost bin is not a suitable depository for animal waste, nor is it a place for plastic, rubble, stones, or big branches.
- Mulching
There are advantages to mulching grass clippings, leaves, small branches, and similar garden waste. Mulching is an excellent way to suppress weeds, while enriching the soil and conserving moisture, which reduces the need for fertilisers and other additional materials. In addition to allowing rain to penetrate to reach the soil in colder months, it also offers roots protection against cooler weather.
- Selective Planting and Maintenance
One of the best ways to reduce your garden waste is by choosing low-maintenance plants. Focus on perennial plants or species native to the area. If you follow planting instructions and locate the plants in their ideal conditions, you will also have a lot less work to do to care for the plants and keep them in good condition.
Different plants have different needs, from spacing during planting to pruning and watering needs. Following the guidelines for every plant you choose, will minimise waste generation.
Responsible Garden Rubbish Removal
Creating an environmentally friendly garden goes beyond just planting and nurturing; it’s crucial to ensure responsible rubbish removal as well. Consider the following:
- Recycling garden waste
Plant trimmings, branches, and twigs are all recyclable, whether you opt to create a compost bin for the trimmings and small twigs or deliver them to a recycling plant. Proper recycling prevents improper dumping and avoids overflowing landfills and additional greenhouse gases.
You have options when it comes to proper garden waste disposal. In addition to what the council offers for uplifts, you can also enlist the services of a professional rubbish removal company that can haul away all of your waste and ensure it is recycled properly. Or, find a community recycling centre.
- Donating or sharing excess plants
If you have excess plants, you can either donate them to a community garden or simply gift them to neighbours who also enjoy gardening. Many people list cuttings and plants online and ship them, which is a handy way to make money as well. It isn’t just good for the environment, it spreads the joy of beautiful plant life.
- Responsible disposal of hazardous material
Pesticides, and any other garden chemicals, as well as solvent-based paints, petrol and motor oil, should be disposed of responsibly. These can leech into soil and waterways and wreak havoc on the environment. This can be at the appropriate collection point, a council-sponsored community CleanOut event, or a rubbish removal company that handles hazardous material.
Promoting Sustainable Gardening Practices
Composting and mulching are two effective ways to ensure your garden flourishes without needing to rely on harmful chemicals to do so. Organic gardening is particularly important if you enjoy growing your own herbs, vegetables, and fruit.
You can harvest rainwater to water your plants, but you can also conserve water by planting plants in rows and making ditches between them. It ensures better water distribution.
There are plenty of gardening practices that attract beneficial wildlife, whether you want to hang bird feeders and fountains for birds, provide mulch for beetles and worms, or provide a sunny rock bed for lurking lizards. You can carefully select native plants as well, nectar for butterflies and daisies for caterpillars.
Resources for further information
How Cheapest Load of Rubbish Can Help
As experts in Sydney rubbish removal, Cheapest Load of Rubbish can answer your call! Get in touch with our team to discuss your options and we will visit your property to assess your haul before we provide you with a free, no-obligation quote. In addition to garden waste removal, we also clear deceased estates, and handle construction, commercial, industrial, and residential rubbish removals, mattresses, white goods, and more.