Answers to commonly asked questions about the garden waste subscription service can be found below.
Is it £40 for the year or fortnightly?
One annual payment of £40.00 will cover the fortnightly collection period between April and November 2024.
How are we going to know who has paid?
Once you have subscribed, it will automatically be recorded in our system that can be accessed by waste collection crews. Subscribers will also be provided with a sticker, to be clearly attached to each bin, which includes a permit reference.
Would I qualify for a discounted rate?
A fixed charge applies to all households regardless of personal circumstances, there will be no concessions. This includes those who have signed up part-way through the year, the full charge will still be applicable.
Can I put extra bags out on my collection day?
We will not be collecting any additional garden waste placed next to bins on collection days, and bin lids must be closed to ensure that they are collected.
Will my collection day remain the same?
In 2024, your collection day will remain the same, so your garden waste bin will go out with your recycling bin from April until the first week in December and our calendars will be available very soon.
Does the council sell garden waste once it is collected?
No, there is a significant cost to the council to dispose of garden waste.
Can my existing bin be collected if I don’t want to subscribe?
Residents who do not wish to subscribe to the service are encouraged to retain their current garden waste bin in case they decide to take up the subscription later. However, bin removal requests will be opened at the end of May 2024.
Is there a refund for missed collections?
There will be no refunds available for missed collections, if your bin hasn’t been emptied it may be because it contains the wrong items or it’s too heavy. We will attempt to rectify any genuine missed collections as soon as possible.
How do you opt out?
This is an opt-in subscription, so residents who do not wish to continue using the garden waste collection service do not need to do anything.
How will those without social media find out about this?
The council will be communicating with residents through various channels to ensure that those without access to social media are informed.
What happens to garden waste once it has been collected?
Garden waste is sent to an external garden waste recycler who turn it into compost. This is done by shredding the brash and larger pieces to kick start the composting process, then the waste is placed into “windrows” which helps it to decompose, and eventually be turned into compost as quickly as 8 weeks after collection.
Will I still qualify for an assisted collection?
Residents who are unable to present their bins and therefore receive an assisted collection will continue to do so if they are subscribed to have their garden waste collected.
What happens if my bin has been missed?
For genuinely missed collections due to adverse weather conditions, or issues with the service, those who have subscribed to the garden waste collection service online and have provided an email address will be informed of any changes to their collections via email.
This will also be published on social media, and other communication channels where possible.
If your bin has not been collected due to contamination or because it was too heavy, a tag will be placed on your bin advising of this, and any issue will need to be rectified by the resident prior to the next collection to prevent it from being missed again.
When is my collection day?
We have come to the decision that collection days will remain fortnightly alongside your recycling bin; this means that first collections of garden waste in 2024 will be alongside the first recycling days in April.
Once you have subscribed to the service, you will be issued with a permit and be provided with a letter at least 7 days before your first collection.
What happens if my bin is lost, stolen, or damaged?
Broken bins, including those damaged by crews, will be repaired or replaced free of charge and should be reported to the Customer Services team.
If a bin has been lost or stolen, a replacement charge applies and can be purchased online using the link below:
Any further questions regarding the garden waste service can be directed to GardenWaste@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk
How long after signing up will I receive my first collection?
Please allow 7 days for your permit to be issued and to be added to the collection list after signing up to the garden waste collection service.