New garden waste service will see residents charged £55 a year

Colchester Council said that faced with increasing demand and a £10million rise in costs, it agreed in February this year that rather than close much-loved services like Leisure World or end garden waste collections, it would charge to collect garden waste like many councils do.

The current garden waste collection service is free, but it costs the council £1.8 million per year to run.

The council has now announced that it has agreed in principle pricing options for the new garden waste service.

The council said it has taken onboard views of last week’s cross-party scrutiny panel and resident feedback, stating that those that join the service should pay the same fee, and new or replacement bins should be without an extra charge.

And that those who might struggle most should be given some help with service charges, to make it more affordable.

All who opt-in to the new service will pay the same one-off fee of £35 and an annual service charge of £55.

Martin Goss, Colchester City Council’s portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and waste, said: “We know that charging for garden waste has been a difficult decision, but it is necessary to ensure that we can continue to provide essential services.

“We have accepted the feedback from the panel and residents and will make this a cost effective and as affordable service as possible.”

Residents will be able to sign-up for the subscription garden waste service from the autumn and free collections will stop at the end of December.

Speaking at the scrutiny panel meeting, Paul Smith said: “We all acknowledge that there is a cost of living crisis, and the council’s introduction of its garden waste charging scheme is an additional cost for residents.”

Labour councillor Lee Scordis said that, as the charge was approved in the adoption of the council’s budget3, there is “little in the way of options”.

“If we get this (charge) wrong, it could be catastrophic,” he added.