Households Encouraged to Repurpose Pruning Scraps as Mulch to Reduce Waste and Costs
Environmental agencies are advocating for households to repurpose pruning scraps, such as twigs, leaves, and small branches, into mulch rather than disposing of them as waste. The average household generates approximately 81 kilograms of green waste annually, which is often transported to dumps and then repurchased as mulch or compost from garden centers. Experts highlight that these pruning scraps are fundamentally the same product sold in bags, but without the associated packaging, transportation, and cost. The recommendation is to shred these materials immediately after pruning while they are still pliable, transforming disposal into production. This practice not only eliminates the need for dump runs and garden center trips but also provides a local resource that enriches soil, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds.