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Introduction
We can collect garden waste at the kerbside but not at the same time as household rubbish or recycling. Our Garden Waste Scheme is available to everybody in the town but we would always recommend that people consider Home Composting first as this remains the most environmentally friendly method of recycling green waste.
If you are unable to home compost and want to join the new scheme, you can do so for an annual £40 fee. In return for this, you will receive a brown wheeled bin which will be emptied from your property fortnightly.
Since the scheme was introduced in 2008, we have doubled the amount of garden waste we collect so it's making a massive contribution to increased recycling rates throughout the town. 4,700 residents have already signed up for the scheme so numbers are growing increasingly limited. If you would like to take part please contact us now.
Please remember that you can always take green waste to our main recycling centre.
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Garden waste FAQs
Why should I join the Garden Waste scheme?
If you can't compost at home, the scheme allows your waste to be removed and disposed of in an environmentally friendly way by turning it into compost.
Why are you running a garden waste scheme?
Garden waste is not accepted at landfill or facilities that generate energy from waste ie. incinerators. The most cost effective and environmentally friendly way to dispose of your garden waste is to home-compost it. However, some people don't have the time, or the space, to home compost effectively but still have garden waste for disposal.
What alternatives are there?
East Sussex County Council is offering a range of subsidised composters and food waste digesters with options to suit all kinds of situations - telephone: 01273 482323 or visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk
Alternatively, garden waste can still be taken to the Household Waste Recycling sites located off Bexhill Road (A259) between St Leonards and Glyne Gap/Ravenside Retail Park or the Mountfield site located on London Road (A2100), between Battle and John's Cross.
How much does it cost?
The Garden Waste scheme costs £40 and covers collection between April and March.
How can I pay to take part in the scheme?
By cheque using the application form. Alternatively, you can go to the Hastings Information Centre, where we will be able to process any cash or card payments.
Why do you charge for this scheme?
The Controlled Waste Regulations 1992 allow for a charge to be made for the collection of garden waste. This makes sure that residents who do not have a garden, who home compost already, or do not wish to use this service do not pay for it through their council tax.
Will I get a reduction if I take part later in the year?
Unfortunately not, the fee for taking part in the scheme and receiving a brown garden waste bin will still be £40.
How will future payments be made?
In February 2012 all householders taking part will receive an invoice for the following year's payment although we are looking to introduce a Direct Debit scheme for this service.
What happens if I do not wish to continue with the scheme?
Please contact us. Alternatively if your payment has not been received before the due date, collections may cease and your bin / bins will be removed.
What happens if I move house?
If you are moving within the town you can transfer your bin but please contact us to provide your new details and arrange a collection.
If you are moving outside of the town, please contact us so that we can arrange collection of the bin.
Will I get a refund if I cancel the scheme?
No refunds will be given for early cancellations.
What size are the bins?
The brown wheeled bins are the same size and type as the standard household refuse and recycling bins used in much of Hastings andSt Leonards. They have a capacity of 240 litres and measure 1075mm (42.3 inches) high, 580mm (22.8 inches) wide and 725mm (28.5 inches) deep.
Can I collect my garden waste bin?
Garden waste bins can only be delivered to your property and are not available for collection.
Are smaller bins available?
Unfortunately, we are currently unable to offer smaller bins for this scheme.
How often will my bin be collected?
The bins will be collected fortnightly, including bank holidays, but collections will be suspended over the two-week period that covers Christmas and New Year.
What happens in the event of severe weather conditions?
We will make every effort to complete or reschedule collections but do reserve the right to suspend collections in the event of severe weather conditions or events beyond our control.
When will the bin be emptied?
Your collection arrangements will be confirmed on delivery of your bin.
What can I put into the bin?
You can put the following items in your Garden Waste bin:
- loose grass cuttings
- wood chippings
- hedge trimmings
- small branches (less than 100mm/4inches in diameter)
- cut flowers
- leaves
- plant cuttings
- plants
- weeds
Remember that these should be placed loose in the bin - please don't bag anything up.
You shouldn't put any of the following items in your Garden Waste bin:
- large branches (more than 100mm/4 inches in diameter)
- soil
- kitchen waste of any sort
- paper
- card
- shredded paper
- animal waste
- clothing
- bagged material
- inorganic material eg plastics
Can I put bagged garden waste into the bin?
No, all garden waste needs to be loose. All materials are shredded but bags would contaminate the compost and, as most facilities are outdoors, would also create additional litter in the surrounding areas.
What happens if I put the wrong things in the bin?
The bin will not be emptied and the collectors will leave you a note to indicate why. You will need to remove any items not on the list from the bin and put the bins out again for your next collection. The lid on your bin needs to be closed so it can be collected quickly and cleanly.
Can I put out additional waste with the bin?
No, we will only be able to take garden waste that is in the bin. Any additional waste put out by the side of the bin, for example in bags or boxes, will not be taken. If you find that you regularly have more garden waste than fits into the bin, we can provide a second bin at an additional charge.
Can I put fruit and vegetable peelings, teabags and eggshells in the bin?
Unfortunately not, our current composting facilities are unable to take these items but we are looking to extend the scheme to take further materials in the future.
We suggest you compost these in a Home Compost bin which are available at very low prices from East Sussex County Council; telephone: 01273 482323 or visit www.eastsussex.gov.uk.
Are there any weight restrictions for the garden waste bins?
The maximum load is 100kg. As a general rule if the bin is too heavy to push then we won't be able to collect it.
Where do I need to leave the bin for collection?
You need to leave the bin at the edge of your property within one metre (three feet) of the boundary between your property and the public highway, clearly visible and unobstructed for our contractors to collect. We need it to be put out by 7am on the day of collection, which is when our contractors will start collecting them.
I will have difficulty moving a full bin to the edge of my property and require assistance. Can I still participate in the scheme?
Garden waste needs to be loose in the bins and can be very heavy.
All properties requiring assistance will need to be assessed and approved before collections commence. Properties that receive assistance with their Twin Bins will not automatically qualify for an assisted garden waste collection.
Residents who require assistance need to contact us on 01424 451077 or email recyclingandwaste@hastings.gov.uk to discuss your individual requirements.
What do I do if the bins are not emptied when they've been put out?
If your bin is not emptied, despite being correctly presented, the quickest and easiest way of letting us know is to call us on 01424 451077. For us to return we need you to report any missed collections on the day of collection or the following working day. Unfortunately if it is reported after this time we cannot send our crew back.
If your bin was not presented on the boundary of your property or it was contaminated with incorrect materials, you will need to wait for your next collection.
What happens to the compost after it has been made? Can we buy it back?
The compost material is used to make various grades of soil conditioner which is used in the landscaping industry and for crop growing. This is available to purchase at some Household Waste & Recycling sites.
I don't think I'll produce enough garden waste to fill the bin every fortnight. Can I share a bin with a neighbour?
If you want to share a bin with a neighbour, that's fine, but we will need one property to collect the bin from and invoice. This is a good way to spread the cost of the bins if you aren't producing that much garden waste.
What happens if my brown bin is damaged or stolen?
Please contact us on 01424 451077 or email recyclingandwaste@hastings.gov.uk and we will arrange for a replacement bin to be provided. Hastings Borough Council reserves the right to charge for lost or damaged bins.
Are the bins microchipped?
Yes, this is to ensure that only residents who have paid for the scheme receive collections.
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Terms and Conditions of the Garden Waste scheme
- The Garden Waste scheme period is from 01 April to 31 March; if you start using the scheme after 01 April you will receive the service until 31 March
- Brown bins can only be delivered to your premises and are not available for collection
- The brown bin remains the property of Hastings Borough Council
- The brown bins are your responsibility and should be kept safely and securely on your property at a location of your choice. Brown bins must not be stored on the highway
- Hastings Borough Council reserves the right to charge for lost or damaged bins
- The householder is responsible for the safe use of the brown bin and Hastings Borough Council will accept no liability for injury due to improper use
- If you move property within Hastings you can transfer your bin. You need to notify Hastings Borough Council of any change of address
- No refunds will be given for early cancellations of your annual payment
- If you require a collection, the brown bin must be presented no more than one metre from the edge of your property adjoining the highway or at a collection point agreed by Hastings Borough Council by 7am on the day of collection. The brown bin must be clearly visible and unobstructed. Hastings Borough Council reserves the right to change the collection day but will notify residents in advance
- Hastings Borough Council will only collect loose grass cuttings, wood chippings, hedge trimmings, small branches, cut flowers, fallen leaves, plant cuttings, plants and weeds
- Brown bins containing any other materials including large branches exceeding 100mm (4 inches) in diameter, soil, kitchen waste of any sort, paper, card, shredded paper, animal waste, clothing, bagged materials or any inorganic materials such as plastics will not be collected. Checks are made and repeated misuse may result in the removal of your Brown Bin with no refund
- Assisted collections are not automatically available. All properties requiring assistance will need to be assessed and approved before collections commence
- Please ensure that all waste placed in the brown bin is left loose and not contained in bags of any kind
- All materials need to be contained in the bin with the lid closed. Any waste not presented in the bin will not be collected
- An overfilled bin will not be collected
- If we miss your bin you must contact us on the day of collection or the following working day to arrange collection.
- Hastings Borough Council will invoice you at the start of February for your renewal payment and this must be received by 01 March. If your annual payment is not received your bin may be removed. In the event that you want the bins returned then a £24 re-delivery charge may be made
- Collections will not take place over Christmas and New Year and we reserve the right to suspend collections in the event of severe weather conditions or events beyond the Council's control
- Hastings Borough Council reserves the right to amend the terms and conditions of the scheme at any time without reference to householders
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Download the Garden Waste scheme application form
