Garden waste service set to roll out wheeled bins
Q&A
What is being proposed
The Council is looking to roll out plans to introduce new wheeled bins for its garden waste collection service from April 2024, changing from the previous garden waste sacks.
Why is this being proposed
The collection crews are exposed to increased risk of musculo-skeletal injuries when the garden waste collection sacks exceed the maximum permitted weight of 20kg. The wheeled bins will also make it easier and safer for householders to move garden waste. It is proposed to replace the reusable sacks with a wheeled bin in line with other Kent authorities.
When is this happening
The changes were agreed by DDC Cabinet on 4th September, and are subject to DDC Scrutiny processes. If approved, they would take effect from April 2024.
What is the capacity of the new wheeled bins/How does this compare to the old scheme
The new garden waste wheeled bins will be 240L which brings us in line with other Kent authorities. Under the previous scheme, subscribers could present up to 6 bags per collection, each up to a maximum weight of 20kg.
The scheme will continue to provide a 25 alternative week service.
Will I be able to put out a garden waste sack as well as a wheeled bin for collection
The collection crews will only collect garden waste contained within the wheeled bin, any side waste presented in garden waste sacks will not be cleared.
What should I do with my existing garden waste sacks?
Residents are able to keep their garden waste sacks for their own personal use. If you do not require use of the garden waste sacks anymore, you can dispose of the garden waste sacks inside your general refuse wheeled bin or at your nearest Kent County Council Household Waste site.
Will I have to pay for the new container
Existing garden waste service customers resubscribing to the revised garden waste scheme for 2024/25 will be provided with one free wheeled-bin per household. For additional subscriptions at an existing subscriber’s household, and for all new customers joining the service from and including the 2024/25 service year, wheeled-bins will be chargeable.
Can I purchase/request more than one garden waste bin?
Residents will be able to purchase more than one garden waste bin if they wish to. You will need to purchase another garden waste subscription and garden waste bin if you wish to have collections from more than one garden waste bin.
How much will the service cost
The current DDC annual subscription fee is £58. It is proposed that the 2024/25 subscription will be reviewed as part of the coming annual review of fees and charges.
What happens if a property is unable to accommodate a wheeled bin
For existing customers that are unable to accommodate a wheeled-bin, or their property cannot be accessed safely or sufficiently closely by the collection vehicle, it is proposed to offer a voucher for a free home garden waste composter.