Council Defends Garden Waste Increase


Charges for collection go up by 50%

The charge for collecting garden waste from Ealing residents is to increase this year from £40 to £60 - an increase of fifty percent.

The concessionary rate, (available to those in receipt of means tested benefits or aged 65 and over) will also go up from £30 to £45. '

Ealing council says unprecedented cuts from govenment means additional charges are 'unavoidable' and they have reviewed the charge in line with other boroughs.

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, the council’s cabinet member for transport and environment, said:

“The service will now cost £60 a year, or just over £2 per collection. However, the council has been making changes to the service so it will work better for subscribers, following feedback from residents.

''Our reusable garden waste sacks have been upgraded with weights in the bottom to prevent them from blowing away in blustery conditions as you use them. Collections will also now take place over the Christmas period, after requests for the collections to continue.

“Meanwhile, subscribers for 2015/16 who sign-up to the Greenredeem residents’ rewards scheme will be given points to use towards discount offers – or to donate to support community projects. Greenredeem points can be used against a range of offers – for example, you can get free swimming for children with 30 points, or a discount on holiday breaks for 100 points.

“Subscribers to the garden waste collection service also continue to receive a free newsletter with advice and little tricks to help get the most out of the garden.”

2nd March 2015