Garden waste - frequently asked questions

What happens to the material collected as garden waste?

The garden waste we collect will be taken to a local composting facility (opens in a new window) where it is composted and eventually turned into a soil improver.

How will I know when to put my garden waste out for collection?

Garden waste collections are every week on a specified day. If you are unsure which day your garden waste collection takes place on, then please look up your road name on the right of this page, or contact us to find out.

Where do I put my garden waste for collection?

The new scheme is a kerbside collection. Therefore, garden waste sacks should be placed either on or next to the pavement/road. Please ensure all sacks are placed responsibly so they do not completely block the pavement. To ensure you do not miss the collection, all items must be presented by 7am on the day of collection.

What shall I do with the old plastic garden waste sacks?

If you have any old unused plastic garden waste sacks, then they can be exchanged for the new brown paper sacks until the end of September 2008. To exchange the garden waste sacks simply take the old sacks to the Civic Offices or Christchurch Information Centre and they will be exchanged free of charge.

What happens if a bank holiday falls on the day of my collection?

Due to the composting site where garden waste is taken being closed on bank holiday, there will be no garden waste collection on bank holidays. Therefore, garden waste will be collected the following week.

Why can't we put Japanese Knotweed in our garden waste sacks?

Japanese Knotweed (opens in a new window) is a non-native harmful weed which is classed as an invasive species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This weed is a very hardy species and may remain viable and able to spread after cutting and even after composting. Due to this we cannot allow Japanese Knotweed in the garden waste sacks, as they are taken for composting. For information on this invasive weed and its safe disposal see Environment Agency - Japanese Knotweed (opens in a new window) and DEFRA's (opens in a new window).

What shall I do with my old Christmas tree?

Real Christmas trees will be collected and recycled free of charge during January. You just need to place the tree out at the kerbside on the day of your garden waste collection. If you are unsure which day your garden waste collection takes place on, then please look up your road name [51kb] (opens in a new window), or contact us to find out.