Trafford Council to consult on £45 garden waste charge

Trafford Council is consulting on proposals to bring in charges for collecting garden waste in green bins.

Trafford residents are being asked to share their views on a proposed subscription charge for garden waste collection, as Trafford Council explores options to close a significant budget shortfall for the upcoming financial year. 

The Council has proposed a £45 annual fee for garden waste collection, with an additional £5 charge for residents who pay by methods other than online.

The council’s budget for 2025/26 faces a £25 million deficit, in part due to £300 million in revenue cuts over the past 15 years and a growing demand for essential services. The introduction of a garden waste charge is intended to help close this gap.

Cllr Stephen Adshead, Executive Member for Highways, Environmental and Traded Services, said: “A charge to collect garden waste is something more than three-quarters of councils now do.

“We’ve managed to hold off bringing back a subscription for several years now but our finances are such that it’s now something we are having to bring in. Please give us your opinion – we will take all comments into account.”

Residents opting into the service will receive weekly garden waste collections, with the council keen to emphasise that charges will apply only to garden waste collection. Food waste collection will continue to be provided at no cost. 

For more details about the proposals, visit trafford.gov.uk/gardenwaste.

Residents have until 18 December 2024 to have their say on the proposals.