Garden waste collection fee to increase by £5 in 2022-23

RESIDENTS of Hinckley and Bosworth will pay an extra £5 to have their garden waste taken away this year, bringing the annual fee to £35.

However, the borough council is seeking to sweeten the deal. Residents affected by disrupted collections last year will pay a reduced rate of £31.40 when they renew the service.

The price for 2021-2022 rose to £30, the first increase in five years, but despite the latest rise, the council says the service offers good value.

The service was hit by a national shortage of HGV drivers when Covid hit.

The discount will be applied automatically to customers renewing the service.

The service for 20212022 subscribers lasts until May 31. To ensure the fortnightly service continues uninterrupted from June 1, subscriptions for 2022-23 can be renewed from April 1.

Direct Debit customers do not need to do anything and will be sent a new sticker automatically. All other customers are advised to renew by April 30 to allow enough time for their new stickers to arrive.

The council says the quickest and easiest way to renew is by going online

Residents affected by disrupted collections last year will pay a reduced rate of £31.40 when they renew the service

The council’s director of environment and planning, Matthew Bowers, said: “Increasing the charge is one of many difficult decisions the council has faced this year to help reduce the costs of providing services.

“Like many councils we have a much reduced budget from central government and our income has reduced substantially, particularly in the last year, while our costs have continued to rise. “Garden waste collection is not a service we have to provide, nor do people have to subscribe, but at just £35 per year it is an excellent, value for money service that still costs less than similar services offered by other councils around the country.” Anyone who does not subscribe can do so by going online (see below) or contacting the council on 01455 238 141. Payments can be made by either credit or debit card. Direct Debit payments will be collected on April 1 for the service starting on June 1. New stickers can be put on bins as soon as they are received, so there is no need to store them.

Non subscribers have the option of taking garden waste to a Leicestershire County Council household waste and recycling site or composting at home. A compost bin at a subsidised price can be bought online from getcomposting.