Uprooted leaves, branches, and shrubs are biodegradable, so you can say, “let me leave them wherever they are and let Mother Nature handle it, right?” Well, that is wrong.
Strange as it may sound, yard waste can cause some significant harm to the environment if you do not dispose of them properly. On the bright side, they can do you some good if they become recycled.
Fallen leaves can pass for natural fertilizers, but they can also cause pollution detrimental to both plants and animals. Some of the yard waste, if left unchecked, can even cause flooding because they block waterways and drains.
This article will treat the reasons yard waste should be disposed of properly and even how it can be disposed of, so stick around.
Yard Garbage in Our Landfills
There is a general misconception about garden garbage; some believe that just because it is organic, it means little or nothing if it is put in the trash or not.
They do not understand that as the garbage breaks down, some microorganisms like aerobic bacteria can turn them into compost which can quickly be returned to the plants for their nourishment. However, when garden waste is broken down in nearby landfills, anaerobic bacteria carry out the process.
Some garbage management techniques like burying and burning are being carried out in oxygen-free environments, creating methane. This prevalent greenhouse gas is more than twenty times as potent as carbon monoxide. Statistics show that landfills are one of the largest producers of greenhouse gas, methane.
This is because green garbage constitutes a considerable percentage of the dirt stream. Estimates also show that garden residue makes up more than fourteen percent of the solid dirt generated in the world today. Recycling this high amount of garbage will leave the landfills less decongested than they are.
Garbage in Our Community
Some homeowners may choose to leave garden garbage wherever it falls or move the trash a few feet to one part of the yard under the idea that it would turn into compost all by itself.
Composting systems at home is very beneficial, but it can become a problem for the community if they are not appropriately handled.
Piles of decaying matter that is moist can produce foul smells and even become a breeding ground for rodents and different types of insects in your home. On the other hand, organic matter that has dried out can even become a fire hazard.
If you leave debris from your yard, it can be especially harmful because rain or wind can carry them into drains where they can cause blockages or blow them into the streets where they can become sources of accidents.
Tips to Help You Dispose of Yard Waste Properly
- Prevent mixing rocks and dirt with garbage from your gardens. Some of these items are not compostable, meaning they may be dangerous to equipment and humans at recycling and garbage management facilities.
- Try to use county-provided recycling receptacles or recyclable waste bags to gather your waste.
- Understand that not all garden garbage can be recycled, and only provide the waste management facilities with the trash that can be useful when recycled. Those waste cannot be recycled, be it plants or leaves, should go into the outdoor bins for disposal instead.
So from fallen leaves to grass clippings or the occasional limb from a tree, what are the options you have to get rid of yard garbage?
Hire Professionals to Do the Job
This can pass as the best choice one can take to get rid of any type of garbage, including those from the yard.
If you already have a professional gardener taking care of your garden, there are high chances that they are also taking care of the garden waste at the same time.
Some services are best left to the professionals as they may be in the best position to handle such things.
Recycle Some of the Waste Yourself
Not everyone is buoyant enough to pay someone for the care and maintenance of their yards. Some other people just like to do things themselves; maybe because they cannot bring themselves to bear for things they probably enjoy doing by themselves.
That is fine, and one great thing is that one can learn if one handles stuff by themselves.
Grass clippings can become good compost piles, whether they are brown or green. They can also act as substitute fertilizers, which help to nourish the soil and encourage earthworms and other beneficial microorganisms.
Some people even use them as weed barriers and a source of nitrogen for the flowers and veggies in the yard. Most of these can also apply to fall leaves.
Remove It Entirely
When you cannot recycle the waste or pay a professional, you can always go for the option of hauling it away. All you need to do is contact a local waste removal company and get them to come to your yard and pick up your garbage.
However, you need to ask for all the details as many of these companies have strict principles and guidelines. Some of these details include;
- How often and when can they pick up?
- What are those things you need to do before they arrive?
- What kinds of waste will they be able to pick up?
- Is there a set amount of garbage to be gathered?
- What are the costs involved?
Take Away
Handling yard waste may be a burden for anyone that owns one, but it can be a blessing because of its many benefits. Are you a yard owner? If yes, then take advantage of these valuable waste materials and improve your yard today.
