£59 Bin Charge Angers Residents in Stockport Amid Collection Changes

Stockport is starting a new charge for green bins. These bins are for garden waste, and some people are not happy about this. The council announced changes to bin collections in February.

They want to save £26 million. Over 90,000 homes use green bins, and they will now pay for garden waste removal. However, food waste collection from green bins remains free.

Blue bin collections are also changing. These bins, used for paper and cardboard, will be collected monthly, not bi-weekly. The council says this saves money and protects key services.

Libraries and swimming pools need funding. The council knows people value the garden waste service, but they can’t provide it for free now. Some locals worry about illegal dumping.

The council says this did not increase elsewhere. Over 3,400 permits have been sold already, bringing in £200,000. Opinions are split about this new fee.

Some understand the decision, while others are surprised by the lack of communication. Some think councils shouldn’t handle garden waste, while others are frustrated by the charge.

They feel they already pay through council tax and some ask why food waste collection differs. A garden waste permit costs £59 per year. People getting council tax support pay £39.

Permits last from April 2025 to March 2026. You can buy permits anytime, costing the same. After March 2026, new permits are needed. Green bins will still be collected weekly.

Permits may take 21 days to arrive. The permit sticks to the green bin. Only bins with permits get garden waste collection. Food waste collection stays free and is collected weekly, like before.

If you don’t buy a permit, only food waste goes in the bin. Bins with other waste won’t be emptied. The council will tag bins with unapproved waste. You can remove the waste yourself.

Then put the bin out on your next collection day, or consider buying a permit. You can also pay £25 for a special removal. A new green bin costs £25, and a food caddy costs £10.

You don’t need a permit for a food caddy; you can buy it on the council website. Libraries offer help to get online. Permits belong to the house, not the owner.

If you move, check if the new house has a permit. Buy one if it doesn’t.