About the charge
We’d like to thank residents for their understanding regarding the garden waste bin subscription charge. Across the country, councils are required to become more financially self-sufficient as public funding continues to decline.
Garden waste collections are a discretionary service (unlike black and blue bin collections), and the regulations allow councils to charge for the service*. Feedback shows that residents recognise the financial pressures we are under, and that charging helps us maintain the garden waste service rather than withdraw it entirely.
Not every household needs a garden waste bin, some homes have no garden, while others may have very large gardens and require multiple bins. Charging per bin means the cost of the service is shared fairly among those who use it, based on the number of bins they need.
Income from the subscription fee helps to offset the cost of running the service.
Lichfield District Council increases its annual charge in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI), rounded to the nearest pound. The 2026 charge will be £42.50 – view decision.
Tamworth Borough Council has also set its 2026 subscription charge at £42.50, with any future increases subject to its approval.
Read our garden waste service terms and conditions
We’re sorry, but we do not offer any discounts or exemptions. This includes situations such as:
- Late sign-ups
- Being in receipt of benefits
- Subscribing to multiple bins
- Using the service infrequently (e.g., not filling your bin every collection).
If you are unable to subscribe, you may wish to:
- Share a subscription with a neighbour, one household signs up and you can agree between yourselves how to split the cost.
- Start home composting, a low-cost, environmentally friendly alternative that benefits your garden.
- Take garden waste to your local household waste recycling centre (tip).
*Controlled Waste Regulations 2012