A new charge has been introduced for garden waste collections in Stockport. Over 53,000 garden waste permits have been sold in total. Stockport council has shared a list of items that can be recycled in green bins after implementing the charge for garden waste collections. Residents in the borough now have to pay £59 for a permit for council crews to collect garden waste from their green bin. The cost is based on a full year, from March 31, 2025, to March 31, 2026, and can be purchased at any time, with a discount available for those receiving council tax support. Those without a permit can’t use their green bin to recycle garden waste. However, food waste can still be put in green bins for collection each week without needing a permit.
The decision to charge for garden waste collections was approved at the council’s budget meeting in February. Despite causing controversy, with over 4,000 people signing a public petition on the council’s website against the fee, Stockport council’s deputy leader, Mark Roberts, stated in April that the charge will generate approximately £2 million and help sustain key services such as keeping the borough’s libraries and leisure centers open. He emphasized that the council had to find £26 million in savings in its latest budget, on top of previous years’ savings, due to stretched finances.
More than 53,000 garden waste permits have been sold in Stockport so far, indicating that many residents are supporting the scheme. A council spokesperson expressed gratitude to everyone who has adapted to the changes in the garden waste service and praised the hardworking crews for rolling out the new system efficiently. Most permits are being sent out within three working days. For residents opting not to purchase a permit, some items, in addition to food waste, can still be placed in the green bin, such as a bunch of cut flowers or small animal bedding.
The council’s website lists the items that can be recycled in green bins in Stockport. Food waste, including fruit or vegetable peelings, bread, cakes, tea bags, coffee grounds, plate scrapings, eggs, dairy products, meat, fish, and other waste like a large bunch of cut flowers or small pet bedding, can be disposed of without a permit. Garden waste, such as grass cuttings, leaves, twigs, branches, hedge clippings, and plants, can only be put in green bins by those with a permit. Items that cannot be placed in green bins include branches larger than 10cm, rubble, soil, cat litter, dog waste, plant pots, wood, fencing, timber, logs, garden furniture, stones, gravel, concrete, and DIY waste like plasterboard.
In conclusion, the introduction of a charge for garden waste collections in Stockport has stirred up mixed reactions among residents. While some have embraced the new system by purchasing permits and following the guidelines for green bins, others have expressed discontent through public petitions. Despite the controversy, Stockport council remains firm in its decision, citing financial constraints as the driving force behind the implementation of the charge. As residents continue to adapt to the changes, the council aims to maintain essential services and support the community through the revenue generated from the new scheme.
