Read garden waste FAQs
Why is there a charge for garden waste services?
Local authorities have a statutory duty to collect household waste free of charge; however, this does not include garden waste. Councils may choose to provide a garden waste service and are permitted to charge for it. Charges are necessary to cover the cost of operating the service, including contractors, collection crews, specialist vehicles and the treatment and disposal of the waste.
Are concessions available when subscribing to the garden waste service?
No. The standard charge of £66 per year (from 1 April 2026) applies to all households regardless of personal circumstances.
What do I do with my garden waste bin if I move house?
If you move to another address within the borough, you must notify the Waste Services team. Please do not take the bin with you. We will transfer your subscription to your new address, deliver a new garden waste bin(s) if none are present, and close the account at your old address.
If you move out of the borough, you must notify the Waste Services team and the service will be terminated from the date you vacate the property. No refunds will be issued in these circumstances. The bin(s) should be left at the property, and we will arrange collection.
Please note that Council Tax and Waste Services operate separate systems. Notifying Council Tax of your move does not automatically update your garden waste subscription, so you must also inform Waste Services directly.
Can I put garden waste in my black rubbish bin?
No. Your rubbish bin is only for non-recyclable waste. If your black rubbish bin contains garden waste such as grass, leaves, pruning’s etc. it will not be emptied.
Can I have garden waste collections if I live in a flat?
Yes. If you have communal gardens/bins you should contact your managing agent or housing association as they will be responsible for the removal of garden waste.
Can I use a liner in my garden bin?
No, please do not use any kind of liner in the bin, when it is emptied it could fall out of the bin into the vehicle and contaminate the garden waste.
If I've grown something in the garden eg apples, is it food waste or garden waste?
Fruit and veg grown in a garden such as windfall fruit is classed as garden waste and can go in your brown wheeled bin, however anything you bring inside to the kitchen becomes food waste and should go into your 23L outdoor food bin.
Don’t fill your garden bin with windfall fruit, this is very heavy and could cause the bin to snap off the bin lift. Overweight bins won’t be collected.
The garden waste we collect in the brown wheeled-bin is composted and used on farmers' fields as a soil improver.