Aspiring horticulturalists can get their gardens in shape for spring with the help of Ealing Council’s handy and environmentally friendly garden waste collection service.

Trimmings, lawn cuttings and weeds can all be collected fortnightly from outside the home by signing up to the service.

The waste is then taken away to be recycled and turned into compost, rather than ending up in landfill and creating harmful greenhouse gases.The cost of the service can even be shared with a neighbour if you team-up and share a green waste bin for a year-long joint subscription.

Signing up for the collections is easy.  

Alternatively, you can take garden waste to re-use and recycling centres or even have a go at composting at home.

The council does not accept garden waste in the normal household refuse collection. Over the three months from Nov 2020 -Jan 2021 the council’s refuse and recycling provider Greener Ealing Ltd  collected more than 1,000 tonnes of garden waste, compared to 755 tonnes for the same period the year before by the previous contractor – an increase of more than a third.

Current subscribers will receive a renewal letter in the post, if they haven’t already, reminding them to sign-up for another year and how to make payment. They are being advised to renew before 1 April to avoid disruption to their collections.

Concessionary rates are available for those aged over 65 and those on means-tested benefits. Subscribers can choose between using green bags or a green wheelie bin, depending on how big your garden is and how much waste you produce. You can pay either up-front or spread the cost by direct debit.

Councillor Jasbir Anand, the council’s cabinet member for environment and climate emergency, said: “The council’s garden waste collection service is really convenient and alongside composting at home, it is the most environmentally-friendly option. It also saves booking a slot and having to drive to the recycling centre.

“Thousands of people across the borough use it and the service represents real value for money even for those who do not see themselves as avid gardeners because they can share the cost with a neighbour.”

Prices start from £48.40 for a six-month subscription and £60.90 for a full year.

For more information visit www.ealing.gov.uk/gardenwaste