We often get asked, ‘Does Japanese Knotweed have to be disposed of professionally?’. So, in today’s blog, we thought it would be a good idea to answer your questions.
Japanese Knotweed is one of the UK’s most persistent and invasive plants. Known for its fast growth and ability to cause structural damage, it’s not something that any property owner wants to find on their land. If you do spot Japanese Knotweed lurking on your property, you may be wondering: Does Japanese Knotweed have to be disposed of professionally?
The short answer? In most cases, yes.
Japanese Knotweed isn’t your average garden weed. Its root system (rhizomes) can grow rapidly and regenerate from even the smallest fragment left behind. That means traditional removal methods like digging up or throwing into green waste simply don’t work. In fact, doing so could cause the plant to spread further.
This is why disposal must be handled with extra care. It’s also why Japanese Knotweed is considered ‘controlled waste’ under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. This means that it must be disposed of at a licensed waste facility by a registered carrier.
If you’re dealing with Japanese Knotweed, calling in the experts is not only safer, but also far more effective. At Morley Skips, we can recommend several highly-experienced groundworks teams that can ensure the knotweed is uprooted correctly and doesn’t cause problems later down the line. We will then dispose of the waste efficiently and, most importantly, in a legally compliant manner.
Here are a few reasons why professional disposal makes sense:
A single piece of Japanese Knotweed stem or root can easily and quickly find a new location to grow in. If you dispose of it incorrectly, you risk causing a wider infestation on your site or spreading it to others. Our team ensures that once removed, Knotweed is contained and transported properly, minimising the risk of contamination.
Since Japanese Knotweed is classed as controlled waste, you must use a licensed waste carrier to remove and dispose of it. At Morley Skips, we’re fully registered to carry and dispose of Japanese Knotweed, so you can be confident that you’re meeting your legal responsibilities.
When working on development or construction sites, it’s essential to have the right paperwork in place. Our team provides all the necessary documentation to demonstrate that your Japanese Knotweed has been collected and disposed of safely and legally. Japanese Knotweed can cause land or property values to decrease by 15%, so removing it safely can be especially important if you’re preparing to sell or develop land.
No two sites are the same. Whether you’re dealing with a small patch in a residential garden or widespread growth across a commercial development, we can work with you to find the best approach. This might include skip hire, grab lorry services or RORO containers; all alongside coordination with your project team.
We’ve helped a wide range of customers across Essex and Suffolk safely dispose of Japanese Knotweed. Our process is purposely designed to be straightforward and reliable.
We’ll work with your team to understand the extent of the infestation and the logistics of your site. This will help us to recommend the best waste removal approach.
Once the Knotweed has been identified and separated by specialised removers, our team will arrange a skip or grab collection. All waste is handled by trained drivers who understand the precautions needed.
The Knotweed skip or container is taken directly to a licensed facility that can handle and process it according to the necessary regulations. This ensures that it won’t end up in landfill or green waste where it could re-establish.
We’ll issue the appropriate waste transfer notes and paperwork confirming safe disposal. This can be kept for your own records or passed on to your consultants or local authority.
If you’ve found Japanese Knotweed on your property or site, it’s best to act quickly. We understand the urgency and regulatory issues involved, and we’re ready to provide practical solutions that will enable you to move forward.
We’re here to help:
Whilst it may be tempting to try and remove Japanese Knotweed yourself, the consequences of getting it wrong are serious. Spreading the plant can incur prosecution, resulting in a custodial sentence or hefty fines: it’s simply not worth the risk. Letting a licensed, professional company like Morley Skips take care of it ensures peace of mind from the start.
Need help with Japanese Knotweed removal in Essex or Suffolk? Call our friendly and experienced team today on 01621 815 287 or contact us here.
We offer:
Get in touch today by calling 01621 815287 or emailing us at info@morleyskips.co.uk
