West Oxfordshire District Council

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What happens to your garden waste

Householders have the opportunity to receive FREE fortnightly garden waste collections by signing up. Simply register by completing our online form or calling 01993 861025.

Garden waste collected from homes in West Oxfordshire is taken to Agrivert's composting facility near Chipping Norton where it is converted into a rich compost or mulch for agricultural use.
The waste is shredded, which increases the surface area and blends the waste to achieve a good mix of leaves and woody material for composting.
It is then put into a trapezoidal windrow (large 'rectangular' pile) and turned at regular intervals during the composting process.
Then it is composted for 8 - 12 weeks breaking down and maturing as the process takes place. The compost gets as hot as 70 degrees, killing weeds and pathogens.
Any water (leachate) produced is captured on site and re-applied to the compost during the drier months.
At the end of the process the compost is screened to 30mm to separate the compost product from any contamination (plastic) and woody, oversized material.
The compost is high in valuable nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus and other elements required for healthy plant growth and fertile soil and is used on local farms as a fertiliser and soil conditioner.