Frequently Asked Question

Sometimes we do take grass cuttings and other “green arisings” to suitable recycling waste facilities, but more frequently, we put them into onsite decomposers, designed specifically for this purpose.

Site decomposers are an important wildlife feature on our sites and provide essential habitat for grass snakes and invertebrates etc., which are an integral part of the food chain and site’s overall biodiversity.

Where tree branches are removed, the wood is used to create log piles, forming valuable invertebrate habitat and ground cover for small creatures on the site.

Where hedges or small trees are pruned, we may remove branches to a waste facility as they do not break down sufficiently in the decomposer and are not big enough to use as log piles. However, in some cases, they may also be left under hedges to provide ground cover and to keep the soil cool around the roots of hedges, reducing the likelihood of them suffering from drought in warm weather.

Very short areas of grassland are sometimes mulch-mown and, where that is the case, any cuttings are always blown off adjacent paths or hardstanding before we leave a site to assure a neat finish.

Were we to remove all cuttings on each site visit, not only would this valuable habitat be lost, but the annual charge would have to increase as a result of the regular recycling costs that would be incurred after each cut.

Please note that the decomposers on site are for the use of Betts staff only. Residents are not permitted to dispose of any waste, green or otherwise, on any part of the site other than disposal of general rubbish in litter bins provided (if any exist).