Shredderman - Any Questions?

What am I supposed to do with the bags of shreddings?

You can use your shreddings to help create and maintain a healthy garden by using them as a mulch. You can also turn the shreddings into a useful compost.

Why can't I take the shreddings to my local Household Waste Site?

Shredderman is not a green waste collection service! Shredderman is a waste minimisation initiative designed to reduce the amount of waste the council have to deal with through its Household Waste Sites (HWS) or kerbside collections. If you do not want or cannot use the shreddings then the Shredderman service should not be used.

Why mulch?

Mulching helps to conserve water and control weeds with a minimum of effort. Mulching gives you the opportunity to producen an attractive ground covering at minimal cost. Mulching helps to protect plant roots from the soil-compacting effect of foot traffic. It can also help reduce the effect of heavy rain compacting the soil or washing it away.

Why compost?

Home-made compost is an ideal way of adding nutrients to your soil and of providing the right conditions for many garden plants to grow. Almost everything in the shreddings can be composted including conifer and other evergreen material.

How do I use the shreddings as mulch?

Most shreddings can be used straight away on paths to improve look and durability, just spread them evenly over the desired area. They can be useful for wet areas where they soak up moisture and so reduce the likelihood of slipping accidents. Before using shreddings as a mulch garden beds, remove any weeds and water the ground thoroughly. Apply the shreddings so that you make a layer about 5cm (2in) deep. Do not dig the shreddings in. Keep the mulch on the surface to help conserve nutrient levels in the soil below. If you mulch under trees, it minimises competition for water and nutrients and helps trees grow as they would in nature. Try to keep the mulch about 20cm (8in) away from the base of tree trunks. If your shreddings are composed mainly of conifer material and you want to use them as a mulch, they are best composted first.

How do I use the shreddings as compost?

You can add the shreddings to your compost bin or heap, either as they are, or mixed in with other items like leaves and grass. If the shreddings are dry, you should wet them through. If you have a lot of woody material in your shreddings, it helps decomposition by adding grass mowings, nettle liquid or diluted urine. Nettle liquid is from nettles that have been squashed into a bucket and covered with water for two weeks.

What if I leave the shreddings in bags?

If you decide to leave your shreddings in the bags as they were left with you, they will turn into compost naturally on their own if they are damp. Just pierce half a dozen holes in each bag and wet well. After about six months they can be used in the same way as compost.

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