We’ve all heard the term ‘reduce, reuse, recycle.’ This also applies to waste removal services. When it comes to hiring a skip, there are two main areas of waste disposal to consider. One being general waste removal and the other being recycling waste (plastics, metal, etc.). A major area of waste that tends to get overlooked is green waste. If you have a backyard full of plants, you should consider using a skip hire that includes green waste. In this article, we will discuss what green waste is, the benefits of a green waste skip bin, what you can safely place in a skip for green waste and where you can get green waste skip hire in Canberra.
What is green waste?
Green waste is made up of garden organic waste that can be found in places like your backyard or in parks. Green waste is often disposed of into landfill rather than separating this waste type out from the general waste. It is important to understand in terms of how to best salvage and reuse it as it can have a negative impact on our environment if disposed of incorrectly. According to ACT Government City Services, up to 50% of all waste that ends up in landfill is organic waste. When green waste goes into general waste instead of recycling, it produces harmful greenhouse gases such as methane. While methane is an odourless gas, it is very harmful to our environment and is a contributing factor to global warming. In fact, when organic matter is buried in landfill, temperatures can rise up to 50°C.
Green waste, however, can be harnessed to help create gas-to-energy in the ACT. At the Mugga Lane landfill gas power station green waste is collected and placed into wells that recovers the gas that the buried waste emits. Once this gas is recovered, it can be stored as fuel that can help power engines and generate electricity for up to 5,700 homes.
Why should you use a green waste skip bin?
One of the main benefits of using a garden waste skip is that it will stop your yard from looking like a jungle full of built up debris, instead making your area look tidy and well kept. Another bonus to getting rid of your waste this way is that there will be less rodents and spiderwebs to deal with.
When you use skip hire for green waste, you can be assured that your waste will not end up in landfill (if used properly and correctly). Green waste can be taken away and given a second life in the form of fertiliser and mulch for plants and new infrastructure to urban areas and parks.
Choosing a waste management service for your green waste can also help sort out those pesky waste removal jobs that would otherwise take several trips to your local tip facility.
What can I put in a green waste skip?
There are many items that can go into a green waste skip bin. Though there are also some items that cannot go into your green waste skip that aren’t as clear cut as you would think. Green waste can be a broad term and not all garden items are considered appropriate to include in your green waste bin. The waste items that can and can’t be placed into a green waste skip are listed below.
Things that can go into a skip for green waste
When you’re placing accepted items into your green waste rubbish removal, you should always consider the size of the item as skip bin sizes do have limitations. The following items are welcome in your next green waste skip bin hire:
- Weeds
- Tree branches and twigs
- Grass clippings and trimmings
- Prunings
- Flowers
- Leaves
Things that can’t go into a green waste skip
Items that are prohibited from being placed into a skip for green waste include the following:
- Dirt, soil and compost: dirt and soil are not natural garden items and most composts include soil as part of their composition.
- Large, bulky organics: garden greens over 2 metres in length with a 150 millimetre diameter are too large
- Paper: while paper originates from trees, it cannot be placed in green waste post production
- Toxic and hazardous materials: items such as asbestos, bricks, tiles, cleaning products, aerosol sprays, paint and thinners, chemicals, automotive supplies, pesticides and gas bottles
- Metal and electrical waste: things such as appliances, batteries, electrical cords and solar panels
Green waste disposal – the eco-friendly solution
If you have a project that includes cleaning up your yard waste, do yourself a favour and use a skip bin hire service like Angel Waste. Our skip bins can handle all your garden waste removal needs while providing affordable waste management solutions for domestic and commercial clients. Call our friendly team today to get a quote and make a booking.