As we head into the summer season, the Isle of Wight Council are asking islanders to correctly dispose of their garden waste.
Garden waste is often found fly tipped on Isle of Wight Council land. this is most often found by back gates or fence lines of residential properties. Residents often don’t realise how harmful this can be to the environment.
Harming the local environment
The negative effects of fly tipping garden waste include the introduction of invasive species to the local habitat. It can also cause damage to trees by raising soil level around the base which reduces the oxygen available to the tree bark and roots, increasing the likelihood of tree death.
The term invasive species refers to non-native plants and animals that have been introduced into wild habitats.
Species of concern
There are 36 species of invasive plants that are listed as species of concern in the United Kingdom. These include Himalayan Balsam, Japanese Knotweed and Monkeyflower.
It is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) to spread any of these invasive species. This includes spreading by fly tipping.
How to dispose of invasive plants
Invasive plants cannot be disposed of at Lynnbottom or Afton Marsh HWRC. Information and advice on the safe disposal of invasive plants can be found on the website.
There are two ways you can dispose of your garden waste that does not contain invasive plants:
Book your slot
Book an appointment to dispose of your garden waste at Lynnbottom or Afton Marsh recycling centre. You can book by visiting our HWRC booking system.
The Isle of Wight Council also operates a green garden waste subscription service. The service collects garden waste from the kerbside. Unfortunately, subscriptions are currently full.
Join the waiting list
If you wish to join the waiting list for next year’s subscription, please e-mail [email protected] or call 01983 823777. You will then be contacted when space is available.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
