Garden and food waste

Create a low-waste garden

A low-waste garden is better for the environment. You can reduce the amount of garden waste that goes to landfill, and the time you have to spend watering, weeding and maintaining your garden.

Plan your garden to maximise the sun and avoid planting trees where they will grow to obscure views or interfere with existing structures (balconies, fences, power lines and decks). Avoid the use of unnecessary landscaping and plant to suit site conditions.

If structures are required use old recovered materials where possible: railway sleepers, old bricks, seats, tyres and buckets as garden ornaments. Items like these can often be found at second-hand stores or through the regions free waste exchange service - visit the RENEW waste exchange website for more information.

Use rainwater to water plants. This can be easily collected from your roof in a plastic drum. Water the plant roots (not their leaves) and water early in the morning or at night. Limit the use of sprinklers and make sure your not watering the driveway! When using water features in your garden reuse rainwater, making sure the water is cycled back, rather than wasted.

To create a low-waste garden, follow these simple steps:

	plant native plants and ground cover, and drought-tolerant plant species
	use mulches
	replace lawn with low ground cover or leave your catcher off when mowing
	make and use compost in your garden
	use natural weed and pest control
	use non-invasive plants.

Picture of a garden

Reviewed - March 2007.