Bark mulch is an ideal substrate for covering beds. It protects the soil from drying out, so hobby gardeners don't have to water as often. The material degrades over time. However, there are cases in which the remains must be disposed of.
Bark mulch can easily be disposed of in the compost
Disposal at acceptance points
The Waste Disposal Act stipulates that biodegradable materials should be recycled via composting plants. This also includes bark mulch, which is no longer used. The organic waste must be handed in unpackaged and must not contain any impurities such as glass, metal or plastic. If you have space in the brown organic waste bin, you can dispose of smaller quantities in this way.
leaf bag
Alternatively, many disposal yards offer leaf bags for sale, in which you can dispose of the material. These are either picked up or brought to the acceptance point by you. In this case, some disposal companies reimburse part of the purchase fees. These vary depending on the region and provider. Find out in advance from your local waste disposal company about the costs involved.
composting
Bark mulch can be used on your own compost if you prepare it correctly. As a base layer, the material ensures that the water from the green waste seeps into the ground better. In addition, you counteract the formation of rot. You can mix the pieces of bark into the compost substrate at any time, but you should not add too much. Set up an interim storage area with finely chopped wood waste and mulch materials right next to the compost, which you mix with the kitchen waste again and again.
Use alternatively
If you don't have a way to dispose of your bark mulch, you should think about alternative uses. A three centimeter layer improves the moisture balance in the flower bed and protects against excessive water loss. Within a year the material has almost completely decomposed. Numerous flowers feel comfortable in a bed mulched with bark:
- Bluebells, carnations and marigolds
- Autumn asters, coneflowers and autumn anemones
- Cinquefoil, blue cushion and thrift
tips
Mushrooms grow naturally on the bark mulch when the weather is wet. In dry and hot summer months, they disappear by themselves. The annoying smell also goes away when the substrate dries. Fluff it up for better ventilation.