Garden waste charge
FURTHER information has been published about the new garden waste charge.
It comes after West Dunbartonshire Council agreed to introduce a £60 annual fee for residents to have their garden waste collected and disposed of at its budget meeting last week.
This service had previously been free.
After announcing that the charge would be introduced this year the council received a large number of questions as well as backlash on social media.
Now, WDC has shed light on the issue by answering frequently asked questions.
When will it be introduced?
It is anticipated that the garden waste charge will come into force in summer 2024.
Until then the service will continue to be provided free of charge.
Why is it being introduced?
WDC notes that there is no statutory requirement for local authorities to collect garden waste and that council tax does not cover its collection.
A statement published on the council’s website adds that reducing budgets and rising costs mean that the council “cannot continue to offer this service free of charge”.
Do I have to pay it?
It is understood that this is not a mandatory fee and will operate as an opt-in scheme.
However, people living in West Dunbartonshire, whether they are homeowners or tenants, will have to pay this charge if they want their garden waste collected.
The fee will be reduced for 2024/25 as it is expected to be brought into force part way through the season and will be proportionate to the amount of remaining collections.
People who do opt-in will be given a sticker to display on their bin.
How much will it cost?
£60 per bin per year.
Can I return my brown bin if I don’t opt-in?
The council’s website states that more information about this will be made available closer to the time when the charge is introduced.
What about food waste?
This charge applies to garden waste only.
Food waste can continue to be put in the brown bin and will still be collected.
However, if food and garden waste are mixed and no permit sticker is attached to the bin, it will not be collected.
Can I put garden waste in my general waste bin?
WDC is urging residents to ensure garden waste is disposed of appropriately by either purchasing a permit to have it collected or by taking it to one of the recycling centres.
The general waste bin is for non-recyclable waste only.
If recyclable waste is disposed of in this bin, it may not be collected.
Will this charge lead to an increase in flytipping?
The council’s website states that this approach has been “successfully implemented” in neighbouring local authorities “without an increase in flytipping”.