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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

I know it's littering but does it really count?

79 replies

Acc0untant · 02/05/2025 17:19

Often take an apple or banana on my dog walk and when I'm done I'll throw the peel or core in the bushes, brambles, whatever.

My mum was gobsmacked and said I shouldn't do it, that it's littering. Am I unreasonable?

OP posts:
AdventureCode · 02/05/2025 17:57

Why would banana peel not be OK, I discard my peelings under my rose bushes without any issues so far? They do break down, although I do seperate the peel.

Redpeach · 02/05/2025 17:56

And what's with people dropping fag butts, gross

XenoBitch · 02/05/2025 17:55

It is still classed as litter.

AllProperTeaIsTheft · 02/05/2025 17:55

Ponderingwindow · 02/05/2025 17:27

The problem is when 10 people out on their walk that day throw their apple cores.

Why is that a problem though? Loads of apples fall off apple trees all the time and just lie and rot or get eaten by birds and animals. Same with berries, plums, damsons etc. It's what happens naturally with wild fruit trees.

MoistVonL · 02/05/2025 17:54

Apples, absolutely. I wouldn’t Chuck a banana peel, I’d bring it home and compost it there.

Sweaterbag · 02/05/2025 17:54

I think apple cores are OK but bananas (and orange peel) are not. They'll break down eventually, but they take a really long time.

PonkyPonky · 02/05/2025 17:52

mathanxiety · 02/05/2025 17:26

Why not bring a bag for the banana peel just as you'd bring bags for the dog poo you pick up?

Oh yes let’s wrap it in plastic so that it can be on the earth forever more

AllPlayedOut · 02/05/2025 17:52

RichWithNoSelfControl · 02/05/2025 17:24

I do the same thing with apples/pears. They biodegrade quickly, many little critters will enjoy it and apparently it's good for the soil.

Not sure about Banana peel though, same with orange skin, I doubt many insects/birds/rodents eat those

I wouldn’t call 2 months quick.

ArtTheClownIsNotAMime · 02/05/2025 17:51

Apple core fine, stupid to put it in a bin when it can be eaten by wildlife. Banana skin no.

MollyButton · 02/05/2025 17:50

They take a very long time to decompose, can unbalance the natural balance, and if likely to be eaten by livestock can cause all kinds of problems. Eg Colic in horses can kill.

driedgrasses · 02/05/2025 17:49

Ponderingwindow · 02/05/2025 17:27

The problem is when 10 people out on their walk that day throw their apple cores.

But apples drop off the trees in the wild.

AllPlayedOut · 02/05/2025 17:48

YABVU. It’s still littering.

allthemiddlechildrenoftheworld · 02/05/2025 17:47

I didnt think banana peel decomposed for years, if ever??

Fimofriend · 02/05/2025 17:44

Bananas are great from the soil but they are very visible. Maybe put it under some leaves if you cannot bring it home.

Gerbilboy · 02/05/2025 17:40

I chuck banana peel in my garden all the time, great for adding potassium, often in low supply in the soil. It breaks down quickly.

So long as it's hidden away, non toxic and biodegradable I don't see the problem.

JackJarvisEsq · 02/05/2025 17:30

I wouldn’t but can’t justify why I think it’s wrong

Viviennemary · 02/05/2025 17:28

Of course it is. Can't believe anyone would think this was ok.

RitaFromThePitCanteen · 02/05/2025 17:27

Apples are fine I wouldnt chuck anything with a thick skin like bananas that's going to take longer to break down.

Ponderingwindow · 02/05/2025 17:27

The problem is when 10 people out on their walk that day throw their apple cores.

Pleasedontdothat · 02/05/2025 17:26

My dog nearly died when he was a puppy because someone chucked an apple core in the bushes - he tried to snaffle it but it got stuck in his oesophagus and he started choking - he needed emergency surgery to remove it so I’d never chuck anything in the bushes on a walk.

mathanxiety · 02/05/2025 17:26

Why not bring a bag for the banana peel just as you'd bring bags for the dog poo you pick up?

Original poster
Acc0untant · 02/05/2025 17:25

Haven't really thought about the banana specifics but I take that on board as something to reconsider. Apples though.. seems bonkers not to!

OP posts:
ErrolTheDragon · 02/05/2025 17:25

Apple cores seem fine, they’ll be eaten. I’m sure some of the apple trees you see dotted around are the remains of someone’s lunch.
banana or orange peels, no.

InMyOpenOnion · 02/05/2025 17:24

Apple OK, banana not OK.

Chasingsquirrels · 02/05/2025 17:24

I throw an apple core into the bushes, and then feel guilty because not littering is so ingrained!

I don't eat bananas, but don't think I'd throw the peel, I also wouldn't throw orange peel. I'd take both home to put in the green bin.