Mason Moore | Hinckley Reporter | 11 March 2022

GREEN-FINGERED RESIDENTS in the borough of Hinckley and Bosworth who were affected by the disruptions which hit garden waste collections last year will pay a ‘reduced rate’ for the service this year.

The price for the service for the years of 2022 to 2023 has changed to £35.

But, existing customers will pay a discounted rate of just £31.40 when they renew the service, after experiencing disruptions from the national shortage of HGV drivers when COVID hit in July 2021.

The shortage of HGV drivers caused problems with waste collection routes – and at one point in July last year, it meant that the service was even being suspended for up to a week as a result.

Existing customers who are renewing the service do not need to try and apply any discounts themselves, as these will be automatically applied.

The garden waste collection service for current 2021 – 2022 subscribers lasts until Tuesday, 31 May, 2022.

To ensure the fortnightly service continues uninterrupted from 1 June onwards, all subscriptions for the 2022 – 2023 service are able to be renewed from 1 April.

Direct debit customers do not need to do anything and will be sent a new sticker automatically.

All other customers are advised to renew by 30 April to allow ‘sufficient’ time for their new stickers to arrive.

And, the quickest and easiest way is to renew online.

Matthew Bowers, Director for Environment and Planning at the Borough Council, said: “The decision to increase the charge for garden waste collections is one of many difficult decisions the council has faced this year to help reduce the costs of providing services.

“Like many councils we have a much reduced budget from central Government and our income has reduced substantially, particularly in the last year, while our costs have continued to rise.

“Garden waste collection is not a service we have to provide, nor do people have to subscribe, but at just £35 per year it is an excellent, value for money service that still costs less than similar services offered by other councils around the country.”

Those who are not currently subscribed to the service and would like to arrange a garden waste collection can do so by contacting the Borough Council online, or 01455 238141 to arrange a subscription.

Payments are able to be made by either credit or debit card.

Direct debit subscribers should be aware that subscription payments will be collected 1 April for the service starting on 1 June.

New stickers can be put on bins as soon as they are received prior to June – so that customers do not have to store them – and then bins will be serviced.

Those who do not want to subscribe to the service are able to dispose of their garden waste in other ways – including:

• Composting at home – garden waste and other material can be recycled by purchasing a compost bin at a subsidised price from http://www.getcomposting.com

• Taking garden waste to a Leicestershire County Council Household Waste and Recycling site.