Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some of the most common questions we get asked. If you want to add a question we'd love to hear from you Contact us

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How long does the composting process take at the EcoPark?

This depends on the time of year, and also the type of green and kitchen waste that is delivered to our site. Generally the process takes 12 weeks but can take longer if there is a large amount of grass clippings.

I am an architect who needs to dispose of Japanese Knotweed. Can I bring it to you?

Yes we can dispose of Japanese Knotweed, as it requires specialised handling contact our Commercial Team on 020 8884 5537.

What analysis is carried out on the Compost produced at the EcoPark?

A complete analysis is carried out as per the British Standards Institute’s Publicly Available Specification (BSI PAS 100). This is a Quality Standard for composts which has been developed by the Composting Association, the British Standards Institute and the Waste and Resources Action Plan (WRAP). Our EoPark Compost has PAS 100 accreditation on the 0-20mm soil improver and 0-10mm fine grade compost.

When will the EcoPark "dump be full"

Some people think that the EcoPark is a landfill site. They see full refuse / recycling trucks entering and the same trucks leaving empty. The EcoPark is not a landfill site. It is a 43-acre site that contains a number of specialised management centres.The centres allow recycling operatives, engineers, drivers, chemists and other professionals to obtain value from your "waste".We manage what is given to us and use it as a resource for recycling and recovery. See Environment and Society for more information.

I am interested in ordering compost for my allotment and wanted to know are chemicals used in the process.

We do add a compost activator at the first stage of the process, this additive enhances the process and ensures that we have a broad range of Bacteria and Fungi’s within the heap to break the material down. This is the only additive we put in.

Will the rubbish in my skip be recycled?

Yes, all skip waste is sorted and recycled where possible

Is their items I cannot place into a skip?

Asbestos, tyres, fridge and freezers are not allowed to be loaded onto the skip. Please check our terms and conditions for further information.

Where can the skip be situated if access is limited.

Skips can be placed either on the drive, road or garden depending on the borough. If placed on a road a permit is required. We can apply for a permit on your behalf. You may also require permission if the area/road are traffic sensitive, parking restrictions, housing estates or private roads. For further information please contact our experienced skip hire team on 020 8884 5664 or email skips@londonwaste.co.uk

What is quality compost?

Compost is a natural product which results from the controlled biological decomposition of biodegradable materials such as garden and food waste. Both the 0-10mm and 0-20mm compost produced at the LondonWaste EcoPark is BSI Pas 100 Certified. This compost certification provides a baseline quality standard for compost ensuring it is consistent, safe and reliable to use. For complete listings of BSI Pas 100 suppliers please visit www.wrap.org.uk/composting and follow the link for WRAP’s online searchable producer database. For further information about the benefits of quality compost and compost trials please visit www.wrap.org.uk/composting

I am a householder who has had builders in to do some work, can I bring the waste produced direct to you for free? What do I do with the waste?

If it is a small amount you can take it to your local Civic Amenity or Reuse and Recycling site provided by your council. If it’s a larger amount that needs to be transported in a skip or van, then the council site may not accept it, and you would need to bring it to a company such as ours - we would charge for this service. Please contact your local council’s recycling team if in doubt about what you can take to your local site. If the builder takes it, he will have to pay.

I am a householder and my civic amenity site is closed, I have been told that I can bring in my waste to you.

Yes you can, but you would be charged for this like all of our customers. Civic Amenity or Reuse and Recycling sites are provided to householders for “free of charge” disposal. Although the councils may deliver waste from these sites in to us, they, like all of our customers pay for this service. For further information about your civic amenity site contact your local council’s recycling team.

Do you offer a collection service for commercial customers?

Yes, for larger loads we can provide transportation quotes. We can recommend an organisation for smaller transport/collection needs. We are associated with SITA who can provide smaller collection services.

I regularly have a lot of wood to dispose of. If I bring it to you would it go to landfill? And is it the same cost for disposal as general waste?

Wood suitable for recycling can be brought in at a reduced price. That would exclude: treated, or painted timber, mdf, ply wood and chipboard. Our on-site wood-chipping company processes suitable material which is then reused. Please contact our Commercial Team on 020 8884 5664 for more information.

I run a small business and don’t have much waste to dispose of. I want to bring in waste which has built up over time. What do I have to do in order to use your facilities?

All customers to the EcoPark are required to wear hard hat, high-visibility jacket and safety boots. You will also be required to produce a Waste Transfer Note which states your company details and waste type to be disposed of.

How can I pay for your services?

A Customer can either set up a Credit Account (call 020 8884 5664 for details), or credit / debit card (AMEX is not accepted). Payment by company cheque can also be prearranged (this service is not available at Hornsey Street). Cash is not accepted.

What do I need to do if I want to bring waste in which is confidential?

We offer confidential destruction through our Energy Centre which is an efw facility. This waste needs to be booked in prior to disposal through the Commercial Department. Hard hat high-visibility jacket and safety boots must be worn.

What would I be expected to do whilst on site?

Customers can expect to be on site for about thirty minutes. Upon arrival, you report to Security, where you will be allocated a tag to get though our barrier system. Security will direct you to a weighbridge, where you will hand over a Waste Transfer Note and your waste carriers licence if you carry waste for other people (call our Commercial Team for more information 020 8884 5664). The Weighbridge will weigh your vehicle and you will be directed to a relevant Centre, Bulk Recycling, Energy, Composting etc. You will be responsible for unloading your vehicle, although we do have operatives who may be able to assist you. You will then exit via the weighbridge where again your vehicle is weighed, so that the amount of waste disposed of can be ascertained. Here payment is made, and you will receive a ticket giving details of your disposal.

My freezer has broken down and I have a large amount of food waste. I have been told that I can bring this waste to you what can you accept?

Food waste containing products of animal origin needs to be destroyed via our Energy Centre. We can accept most types of food for disposal, call 020 8884 5664 for further details and pricing.

I have been asked to provide my customer with a Certificate of Destruction; can you provide this?

Yes we can. A £15.00 + VAT charge is applied to this signed declaration of disposal.