Garden waste

Outline of the introduction of charge for the garden waste collection for 2023

We have introduced a £35 charge to homes that want to receive the fortnightly garden waste collection in 2023. Households wanting the collection will continue using their 240-litre green lidded garden waste wheeled bin.

Sign up and subscribe for £35 a year

The new garden waste charging scheme

Do I need to do anything if I do not want to have a garden waste collection in 2023?

No, the garden waste collection is an 'opt in' service and residents that want to use it will be required to subscribe and pay. The subscription will be an additional payment and is not an automatic payment like the council tax.

What does the garden waste collection charge cover?

The fortnightly collection of garden waste between 27 March 2023 to 22 December 2023 from domestic properties.

Why is the council charging for garden waste collection in 2023?

This charge has been introduced for the following reasons:

• To charge only those residents that wish to use the service.  Whereas in previous years all households would have paid a contribution towards the cost of this service regardless of whether or not they used it.
• By introducing charges for non-essential services, such as the collection of garden waste, the council is able to generate income that can be used to offset some of the increases in costs to deliver essential services.
• The introduction of charges for the collection of garden waste will mean that the service pays for itself and therefore any increase in operational costs in future years will not contribute to further council tax increases.
• Here in Sandwell we were amongst a minority of councils that do not charge for the collection of garden waste (currently at least 65% of English local authorities already charge).
• By introducing a subscription scheme for the collection of garden waste we will only require vehicles to be driven down streets where we know residents are using the service.   This will reduce the amount of resources including staff time and fuel being used.
• By reducing distances travelled, this will reduce the amount of pollution emitted by vehicles and lower carbon emissions which will contribute to the council's climate change targets.

How many households will pay for the new garden waste subscription?

We anticipate that approximately one third of homes in the borough will subscribe to the chargeable garden waste collection service. We expect those who have sizeable gardens will prefer the convenience of a fortnightly collection service. 

What other ways are there to dispose of garden waste for households that are not able to or do not want to pay the new charge?

For those households that have a garden but do not wish to pay or do not produce sufficient garden waste to warrant paying the annual charge for fortnightly collections in 2023, there will be the following options:  

• Book a slot and take it to the Household Recycling Centre (HRC) at Shidas Lane in Oldbury at a frequency to suit them.
• Compost it at home for details of the latest offers for Sandwell residents.
• Share with a neighbour where both parties are in agreement and divide the cost.

Can I receive a council tax refund if I don't opt to pay for garden waste collections in 2023

No, households that do not pay for the garden waste collection in 2023 will not receive a council tax refund. 

Why can't I have a council tax refund in 2023 if I don't want to use the garden waste collection service?

The Council Tax level for 2023 has been set based on a variety of factors and has taken into consideration the revision of existing charges and introduction of new charges including that for the garden waste collection. 

For the majority of services, it is neither possible nor appropriate to refund elements to households based on usage of services. Our charging for garden waste is an attempt to move non-statutory services out of Council Tax funding to allow a more variable charging model.

Councils do not have to collect garden waste, it is discretionary and not a statutory service and Sandwell Council has chosen to make this service available for all homes in the past without individual charge.   Sandwell Council has now introduced a garden waste collection charge so that only those that use the service pay for this collection which is what lots of other other councils do. 

Garden waste collections

Is it still a fortnightly collection?

Yes, the garden waste collection in 2023 is still fortnightly.

Will my garden waste collection day change?

We may need to collect your garden waste on a different day/week and we will confirm the dates of your first garden waste collections by 20 March 2023. After this your garden waste bin collection dates will be shown on the Bin Day page.

If we need to make any changes to your garden waste collection day/week in the summer we will inform you by email and a variety of methods, including displaying on the council website, email newsletters and via social media. 

How will you know that I have paid for the 2023 garden waste collection service?

When you pay for the garden waste collection you will receive a garden waste collection permit sticker by post which you will need to stick on your wheelie bin.  You will receive this within 3-5 days of your first collection if you subscribe by 17  March, after this date it will be delivered within 5-10 working days of you subscribing.   

Where do I put my garden waste bin on collection day?

You will need to put your garden waste bin out at the edge of your property by 6:45 am with the bin permit sticker visible, unless otherwise directed.

Can I leave my wheeled bins on the pavement?

No, wheeled bins should be brought in onto your property as soon as possible after being emptied and not left on the pavement or highways where they will cause an obstruction to pedestrians or road users.  

How many garden waste collections will I get?

You will continue to get 20 collections of garden waste between 27 March 2023 to 22 December 2023. 

How long will the winter break be?

There will be a 12-week winter break with no garden waste collections between 25 December 2023 until spring 2024.

Will I receive a garden collection calendar?

No, we won't be issuing a garden waste collection calendar in 2023, these will be available on the Bin Day page from 13 March 2023.

How will I know when my garden waste bin days will be?

You can check your garden waste collection dates by going to the Bin Day page from 13 March 2023.

How much will the garden waste service cost

How much will it cost?

The cost for the 2023 garden waste collection will be £35 per garden waste bin per year.

Are there any concessions or reduction in the cost for residents on benefits?

No, there is no reduction in the cost for the subscription. All households will need to pay £35 for the garden waste service, even if your household receives maximum Council Tax relief or there is someone aged over 60 in the property.

Can I pay by instalments to spread the cost?

No, you cannot pay the £35 subscription in instalments. 

Can I pay less if I don't subscribe at the beginning and want to start collections later?

No, the cost is £35 per garden waste bin whenever you decide to subscribe to the collection.    There is no price reduction if you miss any collections by subscribing later in the year.

Your garden waste subscriptions

How do I subscribe to the 2023 garden waste collection service?

By completing the online garden waste subscription form that will be available in February 2023 at or alternatively, if you don't have access to the internet, you can call Customer Services on 0121 368 1177 weekdays between 8am and 5pm.

How long does it take to start receiving the garden waste collection after I've paid for the service?

We will only empty garden waste bins that have a valid subscription sticker on them.  You will receive this within 3-5 days of your first collection if you subscribe by 17 March, after this date it will be delivered within 5-10 working days of you subscribing.   

Can I subscribe and pay for the service for another property?

Yes, you can subscribe and pay for another property such as a relative or friend, just make sure that you revise the address of the property that is to receive the garden waste collection service. The 2023 garden waste sticker will be delivered within 10 working days to the property that will receive the collection. We will only empty garden waste bins that have a valid subscription sticker on them.

Can I cancel my subscription and get a refund?

No, you cannot cancel your payment for a garden waste collection subscription.

What do I need to do if I don't want to use the 2023 garden waste collection?

You don't need to do anything if you don't want to use the garden waste collection in 2023. If you have a garden waste wheeled bin, please store it on your property so that is available for the next occupier if you move or change your mind.

Can I take my garden waste 2023 subscription with me if I move to another home in Sandwell?

No, you cannot take your garden waste subscription service with you when you move. The paid for garden waste collection remains with the property and the new householder will be able to use it until the end of the 2023 garden waste season. 

Will someone else be able to use my subscription if they take my garden waste bin?

No, the garden waste 2023 subscription permit sticker will show the address that the collection has been paid for. We will only empty garden waste bins that have a valid subscription sticker on them that have been presented at the correct address.

How will collection crews know that I have paid for the garden waste collection?

We will add your property onto the garden waste collection list and you will also receive a 2023 subscription permit sticker printed with your address to put on your bin. We will only empty garden waste bins that have a valid subscription sticker on them.

Payment information

How can I pay?

You can pay for the garden waste service by completing the online Garden waste subscription form.  Alternatively,  if you don't have access to the internet, you can call Customer Services on 0121 368 1177 weekdays between 8am and 5.30pm. 

Can I set up a direct debit to pay?

No, you cannot set up a direct debit to pay for the garden waste collection service in 2023.

My garden waste permit sticker

When will I receive my garden waste subscription sticker?

If you subscribe to the garden waste collection before 17 March you will receive the permit sticker within 3-5 days of your first collection.   After this date it will be delivered within 5-10 working days of you subscribing.  To make the most of your garden waste subscription please subscribe as soon as possible so that you don't miss any of the 20 collections.

Where should I put my 2023 garden waste subscription sticker?

You will receive instructions on where you should put your 2023 garden waste subscription sticker when you receive the sticker. This must be displayed underneath the bin handle on the body of the wheeled bin. Please make sure that our bin sticker is visible from the roadside on collection day by leaving the handle side out.

The sticker has a high-quality adhesive but do wipe the bin surface to make sure that is clean and dry to prevent it falling off.

What do I do if I've waited more than 10 working days for my bin permit sticker?

If you subscribe to the garden waste collection before 17 March you will receive the permit sticker within 3-5 days of your first collection.   After this date it will be delivered within 5-10 working days of you subscribing.  If it has not arrived by 10 working days please call the council contact centre on 0121 368 1177 weekdays between 8am - 5.30pm and we will investigate further. We will only empty garden waste bins that have a valid subscription sticker on them.

What if my garden waste permit sticker is damaged, falls off or is stolen?

We will let you know how to do this  when the 2023 garden waste collections have started and it will be delivered within 5-10 working days.

Alternatively, if you don't have access to the internet, you can call the council contact centre on 0121 368 1177 weekdays between 8am and 5.30pm and it will be delivered within  5-10 working days. We will only empty garden waste bins that have a valid subscription sticker on them.

How do I get a replacement garden waste permit sticker after you took away my damaged bin?

We will order a replacement garden waste 2023 subscription sticker to be delivered to your home if we have to exchange a damaged garden waste bin that has the paid for service. The sticker will be delivered within 5-10 working days.   

What if my garden waste bin is lost or stolen with my subscription sticker on it?

If your garden waste bin is lost or stolen, you will need to pay for a replacement garden waste bin. When you do this, we will also arrange for a free replacement 2023 subscription sticker to be posted to you. To order a replacement bin go to the lost bin page or  alternatively, if you don't have access to the internet, you can call our contact centre on 0121 368 1177 weekdays between 8am and 5.30pm.

Please be aware that your replacement garden waste bin should be delivered within five working days and that your sticker within 5-10 working days. We will only empty garden waste bins that have a valid subscription sticker on them.

Extra garden waste collections

Can I have more than one garden waste bin?

Yes, you can have more than one garden waste bin collection at a cost of £35 per bin for the year. To subscribe for multiple garden waste collections;

If you already have extra garden waste bins please indicate the number that you want to pay for when you subscribe, or

If you do not already have extra garden waste bins please call the council call centre on 0121 368 1177 (weekdays 08:00-17:30).  

We will only empty garden waste bins that have a valid subscription permit sticker on. 

Do I have to pay for an additional garden waste bin,  if I want to pay for extra garden waste collections?

No, the £35 for an additional garden waste collection subscription includes an extra garden waste wheeled bin container. When you request a garden waste 2023 subscription we will ask you to confirm whether or not this is an additional garden waste bin and whether you need an extra garden waste container to be delivered.

How many garden waste bins can I have?
There is no limit to the number of garden waste bin collections that you can pay for.

What about if I've previously paid for an extra garden waste bin?

See refunds section.

My garden waste bin

Your crews keep returning my garden waste bin down the road instead of putting it back where I've left it outside/near my property.

Please make sure that both your property and your garden waste bin are clearly numbered so that our collection crew can easily see which property it is from. 

Whilst crews endeavour to return wheeled bins to the same place they have collected them from, there may be circumstances such as traffic that stops them doing this on the day. If you are still not satisfied, please call our contact centre on on 0121 368 1177 weekdays between 8am and 5.30pm and an advisor will take details and raise a complaint/enquiry for you. 

Is there a bar code or chip on my garden waste bin or subscription sticker?

No, not for the 2023 garden waste collection, however we may consider this in future years.

Can you collect my garden waste bin as I don't need it?

No not initially. It is not our intention to collect unwanted garden waste bins. We will consider requests on a case-by-case basis, but not until the 2023 chargeable garden waste collection has become established. In the meantime, please store the bin on your property so that is available for the next occupier if you move property.

Please note that any requests for a replacement wheeled bin will be chargeable, regardless of if the bin has been lost, stolen or removed at the request of the then current occupier.

Details of what to do with an unwanted Sandwell Council garden waste bins will be available from June 2023 on the garden waste page.

Can I share a garden bin with my neighbour/s?

You can share a garden waste bin with a neighbour or neighbours. But the householder who pays the yearly subscription is responsible if it is contaminated, misused or the bin needs to be replaced.

I live in a complex or group of properties that share a garden waste bin(s) – how do we pay?

Any individual in the complex or group of properties can pay for the yearly subscription and share the payment between others for one or multiple garden waste bins.  

How your group of properties decides to share the payment will however, need to be decided between the properties involved.  If there are any queries or disputes we suggest that you discuss this with whomever you pay rent/ground rent or service charge for the maintenance of any communal green space.  They may decide to pay for the garden waste collection service and then pass on the shared cost to the properties that are benefitting from the service. 

Any individual who has their own garden in the complex and wants their own garden waste collection can pay for their own garden waste collection subscription.  However if they are concerned that others in the complex will use the garden waste bin without their consent, the garden waste bin should be stored at a location where it cannot be used by others.

Do I have to use the bins provided by the council?

Yes, we will only empty garden waste bins that have been supplied by us.

I receive an assisted collection will I still receive help with my bins?

Yes, your garden waste bin will be collected by our crew in the same way as your other bins. We will only empty garden waste bins that have a valid subscription sticker on them.

What do I do if my garden waste bin is damaged?

We will repair damaged garden waste bins within five working days of you reporting it. Where a garden waste bin cannot be repaired we will provide a replacement and remove the damaged bin.  We will only provide replacement garden waste bins or repair them if there is a valid garden waste subscription.

Report a damaged bin.

What will happen if my garden waste bin is lost or stolen and I need a new bin? 

If your garden waste bin is lost or stolen, you will need to order and pay for a replacement and we will deliver a replacement within five working days of your order. We will only provide replacement garden waste bins or repair them if there is a valid garden waste subscription.

Order a replacement bin.

Using the garden waste service

What can I put in my garden waste bin?

 What you can put in your garden waste bin.

Will you take extra garden waste that won't fit in my garden waste bin?

No, we won't collect any extra garden waste. Our crews will only empty garden waste bins that contain the correct materials, have closed lids and are not overweight.

If you have too much garden waste to fit in your bin, you can:

• Purchase another garden waste subscription
• Keep it back and put it in your garden waste bin after it has been emptied for the next collection
• Compost it at home
• Take extra garden waste to the Household Recycling Centre (HRC - locally known as the tip at Shidas Lane, Oldbury).

Should I squash or compact my garden waste to get more in my bin?

No, garden waste is heavy and if you compact it too much your bin will be too heavy to empty safely. 

Refunds

I've paid for the garden waste service, but you've said that my property isn't suitable to have a safe garden waste collection?

Whilst we will make every effort to provide households with a garden waste collection, there may be some properties where this is not possible. Where we are unable to provide the service due to the nature or location of your property we will refund you in full.

Can I have a refund for a replacement garden waste bin that I don't need as I don't want to pay for the service in 2023?

No, we will not refund the cost of a replacement garden waste bin that was lost or stolen if you decide not to subscribe for the service in 2023. Any household that is able to receive a garden waste collection will have been issued with a free garden waste bin when the services were introduced. Garden waste bins remain in the ownership of Sandwell Council and have been issued to the property for the sole purpose of containing garden waste for collection. Any bin that is lost or stolen needs to be replaced by the householder so that a future occupier has a garden waste bin available to them to use.

Can I have a refund if I move property?

No, we will not give full or partial refunds if you have paid for a 2023 garden waste subscription and you move home (either inside or outside of Sandwell). The paid for garden waste collection remains with the property and the new householder will be able to use it until the end of the 2023 garden waste season.

Can I have a refund if you have not emptied my garden waste bin?

No, we will not refund if we have missed your bin. Please report any missed collections within two working days so that we can rectify the error.

Can I have a refund if my garden waste garden waste bin has been left uncollected and you've said there was an issue?

No, we will not refund if we cannot empty your garden waste bin if it is in an unsafe condition or contain materials that cannot be composted including bins that are contaminated, overfull or overweight.  Our collection team will leave information on the bin to let you the reason why we are unable to empty it and what you need to do.

Can I have a refund if a replacement or extra garden waste bin is delivered late?

No, we aim to deliver your replacement or extra garden waste bins within five working days of your order.   

Can I have a refund if the service cannot be delivered due to adverse weather, industrial action or other temporary service suspensions?

No, we will not issue refunds if the garden waste service cannot be delivered due to adverse weather conditions or industrial action.  Where extreme weather has created unsafe working conditions, we will make every effort to provide the service when safe to do so.

Can I have a refund if the service has not been able to access the bin(s) due to access difficulties?

No, we will not issue refunds for the 2023 garden waste subscription service if the service cannot be delivered due to road works or utility works effecting your street.  We will however, make every effort to provide the service when safe access is available.  In some circumstances we may require residents to present their garden waste bins at a different location so that we can collect them but will notify residents as soon as possible.

What about if I've previously paid for an extra garden waste bin?

If you paid for extra garden waste bin(s), not a replacement garden waste bin after January 2020 you will be eligible for a free 2023 garden waste collection for this year only. To receive this, you still need to pay the 2023 £35 charge for first garden waste bin that is standard per property. 

When you complete the garden waste collection subscription form it will check whether or not your household has received additional garden bins which you purchased after the 1st January 2020.   And you will not need to pay the subscription charge for the additional bins during 2023. You will still need to pay for 1 subscription to cover your original bin. You will receive a sticker for each bin.

Can I transfer my garden waste subscription?

No, you cannot transfer your garden waste collection subscription even partially. The paid for garden waste collection remains with the property until the end of the 2023 garden waste season.

Alternative ways to dispose of garden waste

How can I get rid of garden waste if I don't subscribe to the collection?

You can take garden waste to the Household Recycling Centre (HRC) or compost it at home. Garden waste should not be put in your general waste bin or recycling bin, apart some invasive or poisonous weeds.

How much are compost bins, where can I get one from?

If you only have a small amount of garden waste why not try composting at home.  Visit the composting page for details of the latest offers for Sandwell residents.

Can I put garden waste in my domestic waste/grey bin?

• No, you should not put any garden waste into your grey domestic waste bin, apart from invasive or pernicious weeds listed below.
• We will not empty domestic waste bins if they contain garden waste and our collection team will leave information about what you should do. It will be your responsibility to remove the garden waste so that your domestic waste bin can be emptied the following week. 
• Weeds that can be put in your domestic waste bin in small quantities: Giant Hog Weed, Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam, Wolfsbane, Horsetail, Himalayan Knotweed, Hedge Bindweed, Common Ragwort, Hairy Bittercress and Deadly Nightshade. 
• None of these should be composted or put in your garden waste bin as they either difficult to control and spread very quickly or are poisonous to grazing animals.

Other Questions

What happens to the garden waste when it is collected?

Garden waste is taken to a local facility where is it composted for reuse.

Can I have a smaller garden waste bin?

No, we will only provide the garden waste collection using the standard 240 litre wheeled bin, but we will review in 2024.  If you only have a small amount of garden waste why not try composting at home.  Visit the composting page for details of the latest offers for Sandwell residents.

I cannot store a garden waste wheeled bin or have multiple steps can I use bags for the collection?

No, we will only provide the garden waste collection using the standard 240 litre wheeled bin, but we will review this in 2024.

Are you going to change the colour of my garden waste bin lid?

No, we won't be changing your garden waste bin. The garden waste collection will still be using the green lidded green wheeled bin container.

Who should pay if I currently share a garden waste bin with my neighbour?

You will need to decide between you. Either household can pay for the 2023 garden waste subscription service.  It will be up to you to decide if you are going to split the cost between yourselves, but you will need to make sure that the address on the subscription sticker is the same as the property that it will be outside of.

Who should pay for a communal garden waste bin?

You will need to check with your landlord or managing agent to find out how they will pay for the garden waste collection if you share a communal garden waste bin.

Who can report a missed collection if you miss a shared or communal garden waste bin?

Any one of the residents effected can report a missed collection. Please do make sure that a shared garden waste bin is clearly marked and that the missed collection is reported under the same house/property number that is subscribed to the 2023 garden waste collection service.   For further information please call 0121 368 1177 weekdays between 8am and 5.30pm.

What should I do with my Christmas tree this year?

If you are subscribed to the 2023 garden waste collection you can cut up your real (not artificial) Christmas tree and put it in your garden waste bin. 

If you aren't going to subscribe to the garden waste collection service or you don't want to put it in your garden waste bin, please take your Christmas tree to the Household Recycling Centre (HRC) in Oldbury.

Please make sure that you remove all decorations before disposing of it.

What should I do with leaves or other plant litter that I've cleared that is from trees on council land?

You can dispose of leaves or other plant litter by putting it in your garden waste bin if you have paid the annual subscription charge or take it to the Household Recycling Centre (HRC) or compost it at home.

In relation to leaf, blossom fall and other plant material from street trees.   Where this drops onto the public highway (footway or road) this is cleared during the normal scheduled cleansing which for your location is every five weeks.  However where plant material falls on private land it is the responsibility of the landowner/householder.   

Garden waste should not be put in your general waste bin or recycling bin, apart some invasive or poisonous weeds.

Will fly-tipping increase in the borough?

We do not anticipate that fly-tipping will increase in Sandwell.

However, if residents see fly-tipping we ask that they report this as soon as possible by going to the fly-tipping page and fil in the online form.  By reporting this way, the fly-tipping will either be removed within 24 hours or other action will be taken to deal with it.

Residents who don't have access to the internet should call the council's contact centre on 0121 368 1177 Monday-Friday 8am to 5:30pm and select option 2: street cleansing then fly-tipping and wait to speak to an advisor.

We would encourage residents who have witnessed fly-tipping or have good video evidence to contact us so that they can help us to reduce people illegally dumping rubbish or other anti-social behaviour.

What happen if someone dumps their green waste in someone else’s bin when its put out the night before

We recognise that from time to time residents do experience inappropriate use of their bin by a neighbour or someone passing their house.  Residents may report this through the Council’s customer contact centre in the usual way.