Garden waste
Garden waste can be a significant fire hazard if stored incorrectly
Garden waste includes any dead plant material or organic plant matter. This includes lawn clippings, pruned leaves and branches, weeds, compost, and whole plants that have been removed from the soil. Poorly managed garden waste is a significant bushfire hazard – light, dry waste can be carried by the strong winds associated with a bushfire. This waste can then accumulate in gutters, rooftops and other building elements.
Do’s
- Store garden waste in tubs or cover with a non-flammable material, such as hessian cloth or canvas. This will prevent the waste from being carried by wind and will offer some protection against spot fires.
- Store garden waste away from buildings – never store compost or piles of garden waste near to doors, windows, vents, or key access and exit routes.
- Routine maintenance should be carried out to remove waste from around the garden. Pay close attention to mulched garden beds, accessways, and the area under trees and adjacent to fences.
- When composting, ensure that your compost pile is stored away from buildings and vulnerable features in the landscape (such as under trees classified vegetation).
Don’ts
- Do not store garden waste (such as lawn clippings) in large exposed piles.
- Do not store garden waste under or around windows, vents, doors, or other vulnerable building elements.
- Do not let your compost pile dry out during the bushfire season – dry compost can ignite in hot weather and is a potential source of fuel for bushfires.
Regularly clean up your garden waste