Garden waste charges: which UK councils cost most
If you’ve noticed your council’s garden waste collection bill creeping up, you’re not alone. A new analysis has revealed a stark “postcode lottery” across Britain, with some residents paying over £136 a year to dispose of garden rubbish while others pay nothing at all.
The research by waste firm Divert Waste examined 328 councils and found that residents in the South of England are hit hardest. Waverley in Surrey tops the list at £136.70 annually (though the council disputes this figure, saying the base charge is £87.60 plus bin costs). East Hampshire follows at £130, and Kingston upon Thames at £104. Even London councils like Lewisham and Enfield charge £100 or more per year.
On average, the South East of England charges the highest fees at £72.14 per year, followed by London at £68.09. Yet despite these steep costs, only 3% of South East councils offer a free service.
The picture is very different elsewhere. Some councils charge per bag instead of annual subscriptions — Ceredigion County Council in Wales charges just £2.30 per bag collected fortnightly, while Caerphilly charges £4.10 per sack. A handful of councils offer free garden waste collection entirely, though often with limits on how much you can dispose of each collection day.
What you can do
Check your council’s website to find out what you’re currently paying and what the service includes. Some councils charge extra fees for new bins or additional containers — Kingston upon Thames adds £24 for a new bin plus a £20 admin fee, with £10 extra per additional bin.
If your bill seems unreasonable compared to nearby councils, it’s worth contacting your local authority to ask how the charge is calculated and whether there are cheaper alternatives. Some people find that paying per bag works out cheaper if you don’t have large amounts of garden waste year-round.
You could also consider composting at home or checking whether your council offers reduced rates for pensioners or residents on certain benefits.