When will a food waste collection service be introduced?

Cabinet approved the introduction of a food waste collection service subject to new grant allocations from central government to sufficiently fund this.

The council remains committed to introducing the food waste collection service. However, due to the timing and nature of the confirmation of government funding, we are reviewing our implementation plans and timescales to align with the funding arrangements.

Is the garden waste collection service changing?

A new garden waste collection service is being introduced from 30 March 2026. The optional service is open to residents to subscribe and will replace the existing green garden sacks.

The service will operate all year round (apart from two weeks over Christmas and New Year), and will cost £60 per subscription for the year, with a £10 container delivery fee.

A new 240 litre brown bin will be provided to residents who choose to subscribe, to collect lawn cuttings, hedge clippings, leaves, twigs and small branches, dead flowers and weeds. The garden waste collected will be composted.

Introducing a separate garden waste collection service for composting will ensure that the council meet the requirements of the Environment Act 2021 which states that garden waste must be collected separately for composting. The service will also support the council vision to increase recycling rates as set out in our Integrated Waste Management Strategy 2021-2035.

Home composting garden waste can be free and provides you with a useful fertiliser for your garden. Visit our garden waste and composting pages for more information.

Garden waste can also be taken to our Household Recycling Centres free of charge. You will need to book a slot to visit the House Recycling Centre.