Changes to garden waste collections from April 2024

From April 2024, we will only collect garden waste using 240 litre wheeled bins.

You can now sign up for garden waste collections from April 2024

How the new service will work 

We will collect garden waste fortnightly, excluding our usual two-week pause from late December.

From April 2024, we will only collect garden waste using 240 litre wheeled bins. 

If you join the service you will pay for 12 months of collections, and a £25 one-off supply cost per wheeled bin. 

We currently use bags for garden waste collections. We will no longer collect bags after 31 March 2024.

Garden waste wheeled bins

The 240 litre wheeled bins are black with brown lids. They contain 90% recycled polymer and can be recycled at the end of their life.

If you currently use garden waste bags, at least two bags worth of garden waste should fit in one wheeled bin. 

The dimensions for the bins are: 

• Height, 107cm
• Width, 58cm
• Depth, 74cm

You can see what the bins will look like, or visit a demonstration version of the bins at our local information offices in Hythe, Lymington, Lyndhurst, New Milton and Ringwood.

How we will deliver wheeled bins

Initial bin delivery will take place between January and March 2024. 

We will deliver you bin before your collections start. We cannot provide delivery dates for individual customers.

You can add your property name or number to the front of your bin. We recommend using something like a permanent marker, or you can add your own stickers.

When and how garden waste will be collected 

After you have paid for collections, we will send you an email or letter with more information. This will include your first scheduled collection date. We will try to keep collection days the same for current customers, but cannot guarantee this.

Your garden waste will be collected fortnightly. 

On collection day you will need to have your bin(s) out at the edge of your property by 6am, unless otherwise agreed with us.

We will return bins to where we collected them from.

In some situations, we may ask for a household to leave their bin(s) behind their gate. To make sure collections are safe, we cannot cross a cattle grid to collect bin(s) or any other containers. 

Direct Debit payments

If you pay by Direct Debit for garden waste, we will cancel your payment instructions before April 2024.

If you would like to continue your collection from April 2024, you will need to join the new service.

We are currently unable to set up Direct Debit payments for the new service. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. 

Support for households, assisted collections for those who cannot move their bins

If you are unable to put out your household waste to the edge of your property due to a disability, illness or injury, or another issue you can request an assisted collection. 

If you think your property may not be suitable for the new service, garden waste can be composted from home or taken to the tip.

Garden waste bags  (current customers)

We will continue to collect garden waste using bags up to 31 March 2024. 

From 1 April 2024, we will only use 240 litre wheeled bins to collect garden waste.  

You do not need to give your bags back to us once we switch to wheeled bins. You are welcome to keep the bags for personal use.  

We are no longer selling extra garden waste bags.  

If you have any questions please email customer.services@nfdc.gov.uk

Composting and other ways to dispose of garden waste 

Home composting is the most environmentally friendly way to recycle a lot of food and garden waste. It can help to reduce the amount of waste in your black rubbish sack by up to a quarter.

We are part of a Hampshire-wide scheme that promotes home composting. Find out about home composting, including how to buy a discounted compost bin online. 

Terms and conditions

Garden waste terms and conditions, from April 2024 - New Forest District Council