COLCHESTER residents can now sign up for autumn to spring garden waste collections.

Colchester Council will offer the garden waste collections from September 1 to December 31 for £35, with service until March 31, 2025.

Bins will be collected on a fortnightly basis throughout the year.

However, there won't be any collections for the two weeks over Christmas.

Martin Goss, portfolio holder for waste, neighbourhoods and leisure, said: "Our Garden Waste Subscription Service is designed to support residents in keeping their gardens tidy and well-maintained throughout the year ensuring they can concentrate on clipping, and we collect.

"With the convenience of our kerbside collections, residents can focus on their gardening tasks without worrying about waste disposal but know its efficiently recycled and composted."

The service costs include a joining fee of £35 and a reduced £27.50 service fee, which covers residents until the end of March 2025.

Residents who aren't interested in the service who still wish to dispose of their garden waste can so by composting at home or by booking a slot online to take it to the nearest Essex County Council Recycling Centre.

Additionally, discounted compost bins can be purchased via Love Essex.

An online composting course, available to all residents whether they purchase a compost bin or not, is also available for free.