Reminder to renew garden waste collection service

Published Thursday, 25 February 2021

Green fingered residents have more time to renew their subscription to the garden waste collection service this year following the disruption to the service last April resulting from the pandemic. 

The 2020/21 subscription has been extended by two months with garden bins displaying the 2020/21 sticker now being collected until 31 May 2021. To ensure the service continues uninterrupted subscriptions for the 2021/22 service can be renewed from 1 March. Residents are advised to renew by 30 April to allow sufficient time for their new stickers to arrive.  

The price for 2021-2022 has changed to £30, the first price increase in five years. Director (Environment and Planning) at the Borough Council, Matthew Bowers explained:

The decision to increase the charge for garden waste collections is one of many difficult decisions the council has faced this year to help reduce the costs of providing services. Like many councils we have a much reduced budget from central Government and our income has reduced substantially, particularly in the last year, while our costs have continued to rise. Garden waste collection is not a service we have to provide, nor do people have to subscribe, but at just £30 per year it is an excellent, value for money service that still costs less than similar services offered by other councils around the country.

From 1 March 2021, garden waste renewals can be made online or call the council on 01455 238141. Payments can be made by either credit or debit card. 

Direct debit subscribers do not need to do anything, and will receive their new bin sticker by the end of April. However, direct debit subscribers should note subscription payments will be collected 1 April for the service starting on 1 June. New stickers can be put on bins as soon as they are received prior to June (so you don’t have to be store them) and your bin will be serviced. 

For those who choose not to subscribe to the service there are other options for disposing of their garden waste including:

  1. Composting at home (getcomposting.com) - garden waste and other material can be recycled by purchasing a low cost compost bin
  2. Taking garden waste to a Leicestershire County Council Household Waste & Recycling Site (leicestershire.gov.uk) although residents should be aware that they will need to book an appointment prior to visiting any site