Nottingham City Council introduces garden waste collection charges

Nottingham City Council says charges for discretionary services such as this "offer best value for taxpayers"

Nottingham City Council is set to introduce a new charge for the collection of garden waste.

From 1 May, the collection will become an opt-in paid subscription service, costing £35 a year with a discount for any additional garden bins.

The council said the charge would bring the authority in line with most others across the country.

It comes after the council declared effective bankruptcy, leading to widespread cuts to job and services.

'Significant pressures'

Residents who do not already have a garden waste bin will have to pay a one-off cost of £25 for delivery, and the annual service will be half-price for households in receipt of council tax benefit.

The council said residents would receive two free garden waste collections in April, with fortnightly collections then taking place between April and September, and then a monthly collection in October and November.

Councillor Coral Jenkins, responsible for waste services at the council, said: "Most local authorities across England charge for garden waste collections, including all of our neighbouring councils.

"Our waste collection budget has had significant pressures placed on it over the past few years and we took the decision to switch to this subscription-based system, which means that only residents who use the service pay for it, providing better value for taxpayers."

Those who choose not to have a garden waste bin can still use the Household Waste and Recycling Centre in Redfield Road, the council added.