The Government introduced new restrictions on what can be considered garden waste earlier this year in a bid to "simplify" the disposal process. Under the plans, which came into force on March 31, waste collectors must collect food and garden waste separately from paper card, all other dry recyclable materials and all residual waste.

Circular Economy Minister Mary Creagh said the scheme would "make it easier for people to recycle wherever they live" as well as "cut carbon, clean up our streets and help bring pride back into our communities". While the changes may ultimately streamline the recycling process, any departure from the norm leaves room for confusion. UK councils will still accept a number of items in garden waste bins, including cut flowers, plants and weeds, grass cuttings, Christmas trees and small branches or pruning, but the things they won't be able to collect from a longer and more crucial list.

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Among them are any branches and trees over a certain size, which will need to be cut into smaller pieces in line with local guidance, and sand, stone, gravel and bricks.

Other garden waste collection rules have stayed the same, including the prerogative of each individual council to charge varying amounts.

GOV.UK states: "Waste collection authorities only have a duty to collect garden waste if the household has requested the service and paid any related charges."

Households across the country can check the rules for their local area by checking the council website via the GOV.UK garden waste disposal service.

• Animal bedding


• Bulky waste, including garden furniture and fencing


• Garden tools or other equipment


• Plant pots


• Plastic


• Sand


• Sawdust


• Stone, gravel or bricks


• Tea bags or coffee grounds


• Branches and trees over a certain size