How to Dispose of Garden Waste in Glasgow

Garden waste makes up a significant portion of household waste in Glasgow, particularly during spring and autumn. Fortunately, garden waste is one of the easiest types to recycle — most of it can be composted or processed into useful products.

Brown Bin

Your brown bin accepts: grass cuttings, hedge trimmings, small branches (under 1 metre), leaves, weeds, dead flowers and plants, and fruit and vegetable peelings. It does NOT accept: soil, turf, stones, large branches, treated wood, animal waste, or general rubbish.

Composting at Home

If you have space, a compost bin is the most environmentally friendly option for garden waste. Grass cuttings, leaves, plant material, and fruit/veg peelings break down into nutrient-rich compost over 6-12 months. Glasgow City Council occasionally offers subsidised composting bins.

Recycling Centres

All of Glasgow's household waste recycling centres accept garden waste in bulk. This is the best option for large clearances — soil, turf, branches, and mixed green waste. You'll need to transport it yourself.

Professional Collection

For garden clearances that exceed what your brown bin or car can handle, we collect all types of garden waste: hedge trimmings, branches, soil, turf, decking, fencing, tree stumps, and general garden debris. Green waste goes to licensed composting facilities.

Bonfires

Burning garden waste is not illegal in Scotland, but it IS an offence if the smoke causes a nuisance to neighbours. In practice, Glasgow's residential density makes bonfires impractical and unpopular. Composting or professional collection are better options.

Tree Work

Trees that need to be felled, heavily pruned, or have storm damage dealt with should be handled by a qualified tree surgeon. We can remove the resulting waste — logs, branches, and foliage — as part of a garden waste collection.