Garden waste frequently asked questions

The UK Government has cut funding to all local councils including West Lindsey District Council, resulting in tough choices having to be made including charging for collecting garden waste. Many of our neighbouring councils and more than half of the councils in the UK now charge for the kerbside collection of garden waste.

Council Tax contributes towards the cost of running council services but changes to government funding means that we can no longer afford to offer this service free of charge.

You are welcome to join the scheme at any time of the year, but you will still be asked to pay the full amount of £44. Subscribe before 4 March 2024 to ensure you are registered in time for your first collection.

Yes, properties are able to have more than one garden waste bin. As long as there is suitable storage and a suitable collection point then there is no limit on the number of bins customers can have. Each additional bin is charged at the same rate as the first bin.

When you pay to receive a garden waste collection you will be sent a garden waste sticker to place on your bin. This will identify that you have paid for the year. Crews will also have information inside their cabs to identify who has paid.

Yes, you will be able to share your bin with a neighbour if you wish. The bin will be charged to one resident and will be collected from that property only.

Yes, you can sign up and pay for the service at any time. Once you have paid for the service the council will arrange for the delivery of a garden waste bin. The usual council delivery charge will apply to all new bins.

No, please put all materials in the green bin loose or your bin will not get emptied.

No, these materials interfere with the composting process.

No, it is vital that the garden waste intended for composting is kept disease free.

No, newspapers interfere with the composting process.

Yes, Japanese Knotweed should not be placed in your green bin. This is a highly invasive weed which can cause structural damage to buildings and waterways can become choked. The Environment Agency recommend that it should be destroyed by burning it.

Due to Animal By Product Regulations, we are unable to accept anything other than garden waste in your green bin. This is because all the garden waste we collect is sent to windrow composting sites (open air sites) and any waste from your kitchen may be contaminated with meat products which means that there is the possibility that this could result in the spread of diseases such as BSE.

This is a good alternative to paying for a collection or taking garden waste to your local household waste recycling centre. You will also produce great compost to use at home. These are available from Get Composting or by phoning 0800 316 4454, quoting LWP10L.

Yes, you will still be able to continue to take your garden waste to any of Lincolnshire County Council's household waste recycling centres free of charge.

You could investigate the possibility of sharing a bin with a neighbour or the council offers compost bins which are available as a subsidised rate.This is a good alternative to taking garden waste to the household recycling centre. You will also create great compost to use at home. These are available at www.getcomposting.com or by phoning 0800 316 4454, quoting LWP10L.

The service is designed to be fairer than the current system so that only those that require the service will fund it, rather than everyone pay for it through their Council Tax. Following an equality impact assessment, in which we took into account your feedback and our analysis of the consultation results, we decided not to offer concessions. This reduces wasteful administration costs and helps keep the price of the service down - making it more affordable for all.

No. The collection crews will visit your property regardless of whether you put your bin out for collection. You could talk to your neighbours about the possibility of sharing the cost and a bin.

If your bin is stolen then it will be replaced in line with existing policies.

No, the current service will be maintained and all garden waste must be contained within the bin with the bin lid closed. However, customers are able to subscribe to additional bins should there be a need.

Just as is the case now, we will replace or repair bins which have been damaged or lost by the council. Where the damage is deliberate or negligent then a charge for the replacement may be made.

If you move within West Lindsey, we will transfer your contract to your new property where your service will continue. Just let us know if you are moving house so that we can alter our records and issue your new subscription sticker.

When you move house, all bins should be left at the property. This will ensure that the bin is available to for the new occupier to continue with their subscription if they wish.

If you are moving outside of West Lindsey or would like to cancel your contract, you can do so, but will not be entitled to a refund.

Yes. However we hope that many residents will recognise the benefits of the kerbside collection and choose to pay the £39 annual charge rather than use the household waste recycling centres.

Yes. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and the Controlled Waste Regulations (England and Wales) 2012, councils can charge for the collection of garden waste. Charging for the collection of garden waste will bring West Lindsey District Council in line with many neighbouring councils who already have a charged service.