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Garden Waste Disposal and Pollution

A good proportion of waste generated in various homes is vegetative or organic waste materials in the form of tree branches, plants, and grass clippings. They result from various gardening activities such as pruning, weed removal, hedge trimming, and lawn cutting. You will realise that the composition and volume of these waste vary depending on the season and location. However, a good amount of these waste is incorrectly dumped over the fences, garden places, along the pavements and even in the forests. After all, whether correctly or incorrectly dumped, they will still return to Earth.

But, have you ever asked yourself why wildfires are so common in bushes and forests beside yards and plantations? Have you ever asked yourself why leachates are so common in areas where gardening activities are taking place? Don’t be surprised, here are the effects of incorrect yard waste disposal.

Water Pollution

Yard waste such as grass clippings is light and loose in nature. During the rainy seasons, the running waters carry them away downstream and dump them in water points. Unlike the other type of waste, they normally float on top of the water hence depriving various residents of clean and safe waters.

With time, the waste on the water either grow afresh or rot. Rotting as a chemical process produces a harmful chemical that is a risk factor to several diseases and illness.

Improperly dumped yard waste also end up blocking the waterways. These include the drainage pipes and other natural water channels. This results in clogging and poor drainage system. Often, the yard waste decomposes in the poorly drained water and mix to form a smelly liquid matter called leachates. When left to spread freely, leachates act as potential water and soil pollutant and a risk factor to water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid

Air pollution

Yard waste usually finds their ways into the landfills since they form part of the non-biodegradable waste. In regards, they consume useful landfill spaces that could otherwise be used to store non-recyclable waste.

The chemical breakdown of yard waste in the landfill creates a methane emission alongside leachate. Simply put, methane is a nearly undetectable greenhouse gas that is flammable and explosive in nature. Its global warming potential is more than carbon dioxide. As an environmental steward, that raises the brows. Though experts are integrating efficient methods of combating methane gas emission in the landfills, some of these pollutions are unavoidable.

Wildfires

In so many occasions, you will see your neighbour hurl yard waste in the forests and nearby bushes. The assumption is that they will dry up, form mulch and return to Earth. Of course, that is scientifically right. But, do you really know the effects of accumulating dried plant matters such as grass clippings and leaves in the forests?

According to live science, a glass bottle thrown near a forest can magnify a ray of sunlight hence igniting the dried grass around it. This also happens with sparks from trains around the tracks. However, with additional dried leaves and grasses, the wildfire spreads so rapidly hence become tough to control.

Imbalance in biodiversity

Not all yard waste that is incorrectly dumped dries. Some such as weeds, tubers, roots, and waste that bears fruits and seeds results in fresh growths in their new home. They will, therefore, introduce invasive weeds and some other plants into the new place, thus outcompeting the native plants.

Remember some of the wild animals depend on the native wild plants for survival. Introduction of new outgrowths will not only affect their feeding schedule but also render them vulnerable to new diseases. This immensely causes an imbalance in biodiversity.

Lastly, tossing yard waste incorrectly results in choking of the native plants. They deprive the native plants of light and basic nutrients for survival. As a result, the native plants will dry up or assume abnormal growth that affects their productivity at large.

It is evident that incorrect disposal of garden waste causes environmental pollution. It is, therefore, our moral duty to remain all-time environmentally-friendly.

At Paul’s Rubbish Removal, we offer all it takes to remain vigilant as far as waste disposal is concerned. Consider us for efficient collection and dumping of your inevitably generated yard waste. Call 0407 125 125 for a free quote for all your mixed rubbish removal services in Sydney.

Sarah Ann

Sarah Ann

Sarah Ann is a Digital Content Writer for Paul's Rubbish Removal. Sarah is a huge advocate for recycling, environmental sustainability, health and well-being and has a genuine love for all sea animals. Keep up with Sarah by following Paul's Rubbish Removal blog!

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