Trafford Council to (re)introduce garden waste collection charge

Trafford residents who use the council’s garden waste collection service will need to pay an annual fee from 01 June 2025, following the council’s decision to introduce a subscription charge.

The charge, which was confirmed after a public consultation held in late 2024, is part of Trafford Council’s measures to address a £25 million budget shortfall for the 2025/26 financial year.

How much will it cost?

Residents opting into the service will need to pay £50 per bin per year, but those who subscribe online will receive a £5 discount, bringing the cost down to £45 per bin per year. The charge applies regardless of the size of the bin.

Each subscribed household will receive a permit sticker to place on their green bin, which will be checked before collection. Only bins displaying the sticker will be emptied.

Why is the charge being introduced?

Trafford Council has cited reduced funding from central government and the increasing cost of providing essential services as key reasons for implementing the charge. Although council tax contributes to a range of local services, it does not fund specific provisions such as garden waste collection. The council has stated that it has kept the charge as low as possible while ensuring the service remains financially viable.

How to subscribe and pay

Residents can sign up and pay online via the Trafford Council website.

Payments can also be made over the phone, but the online discount will not apply. The council has confirmed that direct debit payment options will not be available, as the additional administrative costs would make the service more expensive.

What happens if you don’t subscribe?

Residents who do not subscribe will no longer have their green bin emptied if it contains garden waste.

The council will continue to collect food waste for free, so residents can still use their green bin or caddy for food waste disposal without subscribing.