Garden waste collection service

Renew a garden waste subscription Join the garden waste service

What does the service offer?

• The service operates all year, only stopping for two weeks over Christmas/New Year.
  
• There are 25 fortnightly collections per year.
• The use of a 240 litre or 140 litre wheeled bin (see below for pricing).
  
• Free collection of real Christmas trees.
• Your subscription is valid for 12 months from the date you join, you can join the service at any time of the year.
• Reminders to renew your subscription will be sent in advance of your renewal date.

How much does the service cost?

Customers may be entitled to a discount providing they have proof of receiving council tax support, housing benefit or housing element of universal credit.

The cost of this service is non-refundable.

Please note if your bin goes missing, is damaged or stolen, you will need to purchase a replacement at a cost of £36.05.

On your collection day, please ensure

• your containers are out by 6am (May to August) or 7am (September to April). Please do not use bin liners in your bin;
• your container is displaying clearly your house name and/or number, without this your container may not be collected as crews need to identify that you subscribe to the service. We can send you stickers to write your property number on, just complete a bin sticker form and we'll post them to you.

Report a missed collection

Frequently asked questions

I'm a new customer what containers can I subscribe to?

New customers can subscribe to our standard 240L wheeled bin service for their garden waste. For those with less room, or smaller gardens, a 140L wheeled bin option is also available to purchase.

From 1 April 2023 we are beginning to phase out the use of sacks from our garden waste service. Because of this, sacks are no longer available for new subscriptions.

I'm a renewing customer can I renew my sacks?

Yes, existing sack customers can renew with sacks after 1 April 2023 until 1 April 2024, though we ask all sack customers to be mindful of the following:

• By 1 April 2024 any sack subscriptions will need to have transferred to a wheeled bin subscription in order for service to resume.
• Should any sacks go missing or become damaged, replacements are only available until stocks last.
• If a replacement sack is required, but stock is no longer available, then the subscription will need to be transferred to a bin service, and a wheeled bin purchased.

We recommend upgrading your sack subscription to a wheeled bin service as soon as possible. Using bins instead of sacks minimises manual handling risks to our customers and crew. Using a bin also presents better value for money, with one 240L wheeled bin offering the same capacity as 2.5 sacks, for the same service fee as two sacks.

What time do I need to put my container out for collection?

Your containers should be ready for collection by 6am (May to August) or 7am (September to April).

When is my collection day?

Please visit when are my bins collection webpage to check your bin collection date.

What happens to the garden waste we collect?

Garden waste is taken to an outdoor composting plant in Hampshire where it is turned into an organic soil conditioner called Pro grow Pro-Grow.

This is available to purchase from all Household Waste and Recycling Centres across Hampshire or online.

What CANNOT be put in garden waste containers?

Do NOT put the following in your garden waste containers:

• Food waste (including fruit and vegetable peelings)
• Soil
• Turf
• Stones
• Rubble
• Fruit fall
• Animal waste (including bedding)
• Japanese knotweed
• Wood
• Biodegradable plastics
• Straw
• Sawdust
• Compost

I already have a garden waste container, when will my collection start if I sign up?

We need to extend our process for garden waste sign ups. Your collections will start on your closest collection day, 20 working days after you sign up. We appreciate that this may be frustrating, however it has been a necessary temporary change to allow new sign ups to be taken.

Can I change the number of containers I am currently signed up for?

You will be able to change the number of containers on your subscription. Please contact us if you need to order containers and please be aware that we may be experiencing high demand and therefore delivery may take longer than usual. Please also note that as garden waste subscriptions using sacks will no longer be available from April 2024, these containers are being phased out and may not be available.

Will you take excess garden waste?

No, we only empty the containers you have paid to use as the rounds/vehicles only have enough capacity for these.

If you currently use sacks, exchanging two sacks for a 240L wheeled bin for garden waste will give you an extra 60 litres of capacity for the same subscription fee. You will need to purchase the bin. Please note, sacks will no longer be available for use across the service from April 2024.

My sacks are heavy, will you still take them?

Sacks must not weigh more than 20kg. As per our health and safety guidance, collection staff will leave sacks that are too heavy. The manual handling risks that overweight sacks present to our crews is one of the reasons why we are phasing out the use of these containers. Sacks will no longer be available for use from April 2024.

Where should I put my containers for collection?

Containers should be left for collection at the nearest point to the public highway (pavement or road) accessible by the collection vehicle. This could be at the end of your path or shared drive.

Can I continue to use my sacks even if I have purchased a bin?

If you have paid for a bin only service we won't empty any sacks that are put out for collection. Please note, sacks will no longer be available for use across the service from April 2024.

What if my collection day falls on a bank holiday?

Collection days remain the same throughout the year and will not change on bank holidays - including Good Friday and Easter Monday.

My containers were not emptied, why was this?

There are a number of reasons for this:

Collection crews will not return for containers that were:

• Presented for collection after 6am (May to August) or 7am (September to April).
  
• Presented in the wrong location.
  
• Sacks over the specified weight of 20 kg.
  
• Contaminated with incorrect waste.
  
• Contains items other than listed in 'what can be put in my garden waste containers' below.
  
• Not official containers.

Your subscription may have expired, please ensure you renew your subscription when we send you a reminder.

Collection crews will only collect the number of containers you have paid for.

Frozen garden waste – our crews will use a tool and attempt to empty your containers where contents are frozen. Failing this they will re-attempt collection when possible. Please help our crews by making sure your garden waste is not compacted. Moving your containers to a sunny spot on the kerbside may also help.

Under exceptional circumstances (adverse weather, access issues, unplanned road closures or any other unforeseen circumstances) where garden waste cannot be collected information will be posted on our website.

What happens if my containers were out on time, but were not collected?

If your containers are not collected, please report a missed collection online.

I am a returning customer, do I need to pay if I still have my containers?

Yes, the annual fee covers the cost of 25 fortnightly collections. Even if you use last year's containers, you will still need to pay the annual fee. If you choose to purchase a bin you will be charged for the bin plus an annual service fee the first year and the annual service fee alone for subsequent years.

How do I prevent my empty sacks from blowing away?

Please leave a weighted object out so that it can be put on the empty sacks to stop them blowing away. Alternatively, you could buy one of the brown bins.

How do I order a replacement containers?

Replacement sacks can be ordered online if they are worn out, go missing or are stolen. Please note however that as garden waste subscriptions using sacks will no longer be available from April 2024 , these containers are being phased out and may not be available for replacement. If your bin goes missing, is damaged or stolen you can purchase a new one by calling our Customer Services team on 01256 844844.

What happens to my collection service if I move home?

If you move within the borough, you can transfer the service to your new address. If you move out of the borough, you can transfer the service to another resident, please note your collection week/day may change. Please allow ten working days for us to make the change.

What can be put in my garden containers?

All the following can be put in your container:

• grass cuttings
  
• cut flowers
  
• hedge trimmings
  
• weeds
  
• leaves
  
• twigs (maximum of 10cm diameter)
  
• prunings
  
  

How do I recycle my real Christmas tree?

Garden waste customers can leave real Christmas trees out for collection next to their garden waste containers. Trees over 6 ft should be cut in half and all decorations should be removed.

Can I use bin liners in my bin?

No, please do not use bin liners in your bin.