It’ll be more costly to mow the lawn...

Reporter THE cost of garden waste collections in Newcastle is set to double this year.

Residents will now be paying an annual fee of £40 to have their brown bin collected as the council looks to balance its books.

The increase from £20 comes into effect in June and marks a rise from £1 to £2 per collection, with the authority saying it “can no longer absorb” the cost of the service.

Newcastle City Council’s garden waste service runs from spring to spring, providing householders with a brown wheelie bin and 20 collections of green garden waste each year.

The local authority said that for people who found the charges unaffordable, they also offered the chance to buy subsidised home composting bins.

A council spokesperson, said: “Our garden waste collection fees have been increased. This is the first rise in five years and brings us in line with most neighbouring authorities.

“Up until now we have managed to absorb the cost of this service, but unfortunately, we are no longer able to do this with rising cost pressures and significant Government cuts in funding. Subsidised home composting kits are available for residents who feel that they cannot afford this service. Our garden waste service works out at £2 per collection.” They added: “Neighbouring councils currently charge between £1.48 and £2.20 per collection. If there is a significant reduction in uptake then the usage of the Garden Waste scheme, the results will be analysed to review reasons for the reduction and to identify any scope to drive increased participation.”