Garden Waste Subscription Service

Why does the council charge for garden waste collections?

This charge has been introduced for the following reasons:

• To charge only those residents that wish to use the service.
• To generate income that can be used to offset some cost increases to deliver essential frontline services.

Will I need to do anything if I do not want to have a garden waste collection?

• No, the garden waste collection will be an ‘opt in’ service.
• Residents that want to use it will need to subscribe and pay.
• The subscription will be an additional payment and is not part of your council tax.

How much will the service cost?

There will be a one off £34.99 joining fee per bin and an annual service fee of £65 per bin (your subscription allows up to 5 bins)

The £34.99 joining fee is a one-off cost. It covers the costs of a bin, as well as the administration, IT and other costs in setting up the service. It applies to all residents per bin, regardless of whether they have a bin or not already.

When will my subscription expire?

All garden waste subscriptions for 2026-2027 will expire on 31 March 2027.

When is the next renewal period?

The next renewal period will be in early January 2026. Residents wishing to renew will need to only pay the annual service fee (unless changing the number of bins on your subscription)

What will the garden waste collection charge cover?

The service will provide a fortnightly collection of garden waste from a wheeled bin subject to Terms and Conditions.

How many scheduled collections will there be annually?

There will be a total of up to 25 collections annually (subject to terms and conditions)

How will residents pay for the service?

Payments will be made on an up-front basis online using a debit or credit card.

How will the collection crew determine who has paid for the service?

When you subscribe to the service and require a bin, the bin will be delivered to you with a Colchester City Council garden waste subscription permit attached under the handle.

If you already have a bin, a Colchester City Council garden waste permit will be sent to your address.

Crews will not collect bins that do not have the correct permit visible.

Collections from hard to reach properties

We will assess your property on the first collection. If your property is inaccessible, we may either suggest a collection point on the main highway close to your property for all your waste items or else decide that we cannot offer the service at your address in which case we will refund the joining and service fee.

Why have we chosen to use wheeled bins?

• Wheeled bins will improve the health and wellbeing of our staff in terms of musculoskeletal injuries.
• Residents will find wheeled bins easier to manoeuvre than heavy sacks.
• Wheeled bins do not get blown away or go missing as easily.

What sized wheeled bins are available?

• 240L standard wheeled bin
• 140L smaller wheeled bin

Colchester City Council recognises that residents may prefer to have a smaller bin to suit their specific circumstances e.g. size of garden, etc.

Both bin sizes are subject to the same subscription cost.

Can households have more than one bin?

• Yes, households can have up to 5 bins per property.
• There will be a one off joining and an ongoing service fee for each bin.

How can I add a bin(s) to my subscription?

Residents can add a bin(s) to their subscription online

Is there a threat of increase in fly tipping and burning of garden waste?

• There has been no increase in green waste being fly tipped in the Colchester area since the introduction of the Garden Waste Subscription Service.
• We have a robust enforcement policy to deal with fly tipping.
• There are also other options for disposing of garden waste, such as composting or taking it to the Household Recycling Centre.

Will there be an option for an Assisted Collection Service?

In line with our policy to support residents, any resident who needs help to put their waste out on the boundary for collection can apply for an Assisted Collection Service. We can collect the waste from any agreed accessible location in the garden - we are unable to enter buildings or sheds.

My property receives leaf fall from council owned trees. Will I be entitled to a free subscription?

No, it is the resident’s responsibility to remove leaves or garden waste from their property.

Will the council prune or lop council owned trees outside my boundary to prevent leaf fall in my garden?

No, the council will not prune or lop council owned trees purely to prevent leaf fall.

What other ways are there to dispose of garden waste for households?

• Compost it at home.
• Book a slot and take it to the Household Recycling Centre.
• Share the new charged-for garden waste service with a neighbour.

Can I receive a Council Tax refund if I do not opt to pay for garden waste?

No, households that do not pay for garden waste collections will not receive a Council Tax refund.

How can I apply if I don’t have internet access?

Online is the quickest and easiest method, all you need is a credit or debit card and property details. We do not accept cash or cheque payments. If you are not able to do it online, please ask family or friends to complete the form on your behalf. If you do not have online access, please contact Colchester City Council.

Are there alternative payment options?

Alternative payment options were explored as part of the process in developing this scheme and following feedback we assessed a number of payment options (inc. direct debit and PayPal). These options had a budget impact that was not deemed viable. However, there is a commitment to continually review the payment mechanism and to consider the potential to introduce more flexible payment processes if the cost can be met by the revenue budget.

Can I have my garden waste permit sent to a different address to my payment address?

No. The permit will be dispatched to the residential address associated with the payment and subscription to the service. It cannot be sent to an alternative address.