Clearing up green waste can make a big difference for your garden and the planet. Grass clippings, fallen leaves, pruned branches, and other organic scraps often pile up faster than expected, especially after a backyard blitz. Knowing that green waste recycling keeps your space tidy while also helping the environment. Here’s a quick guide on what counts as green waste, how to recycle it, and why it matters.
What is Green Organic Waste?
Green organic waste refers to plant-based scraps that come from gardens, parks, or any outdoor green space. It’s the stuff that naturally breaks down over time. Common examples include:
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Grass clippings from lawn mowing
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Leaves that fall in autumn
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Branches and twigs from pruning
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Weeds pulled from garden beds
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Hedge trimmings
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Small tree trunks and stumps
These items break down naturally, but when they end up in a landfill, they produce methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. Proper disposal and recycling of green waste can make a significant difference in reducing this impact.
How to Get Rid of Green Waste
Getting rid of green waste can be tricky, especially after a big yard clean-up. Here are some simple ways:
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Green Waste Bins – Most councils in Victoria offer green waste bins for regular pick-up. These are often brown or green and designed for organic scraps only. Check with your council for free bin options.
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Composting – Turn yard waste into rich soil. Use a compost bin for smaller items like grass clippings, leaves, and soft plant material. Composting reduces waste and provides free, nutrient-rich fertiliser.
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Drop-Off Centres – Many waste recycling centres and tips accept green waste. Some charge a fee, while others offer free drop-offs on certain days.
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Professional Removal Services – If you’ve got piles of branches, stumps, or heavy garden junk, a professional green waste removal service like JUNK can handle it.
Green Waste Recycling Process
Once collected, green waste heads to a recycling centre, where it gets processed into mulch, compost, or biofuel. Here’s a quick breakdown of what happens:
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Sorting and Shredding – Waste is sorted to remove contaminants like plastic bags, glass, or metal. The clean waste is then shredded into smaller pieces.
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Composting and Decomposition – These smaller bits break down through natural processes, creating nutrient-rich compost over weeks or months.
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Screening and Grading – Once fully broken down, the compost is screened for quality and sorted based on size and texture.
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Packaging and Distribution – The final product is sold as garden mulch, soil conditioner, or organic fertiliser.
Composting Green Waste
Not everything belongs in your council’s green bin. Some scraps are perfect for home composting, like:
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Grass clippings
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Leaves
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Non-woody plant prunings
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Coffee grounds
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Fruit and veggie peels
Avoid adding items like meat scraps, dairy, or pet waste, as these can attract pests or cause bad smells.
Why is Green Waste Recycling Important?
Recycling green waste cuts down landfills, reduces greenhouse gases, and gives back to gardens. It helps close the loop on waste, turning scraps into something valuable. It also keeps landfills from filling up too quickly, which cuts down methane emissions.
Are Green Waste Bins Free?
Some councils provide green waste bins for free as part of regular waste collection. Others charge a small fee. It’s best to check with your local council to see what’s available in your area.
We Do Green Waste Recycling
Need a hand with your garden junk? We handle green waste removal across Victoria, making your clean-ups easier. Whether you’ve got a few bags of clippings or a backyard full of overgrown branches, we’ve got you covered. Our team handles the heavy lifting, saving you time and hassle.
Book your green waste removal with JUNK today and keep your garden green without the stress.
