FAQ's: Garden Waste Collection Service

Anyone living in Inverclyde who wishes to recycle their garden waste in a Council brown bin, must buy a seasonal permit

Are there any concessions or discounts available for the garden waste permit? No discounts or concessions are available for the garden waste permit. The £42.00 seasonal charge will apply regardless of when the permit is purchased.

Can I buy a garden waste collection permit at any point throughout the year? Yes, permits can be purchased at any point during the garden waste season however, permits are only valid for the season in which they are purchased.

Can I cancel a garden waste collection permit? Permits can be cancelled within 14 days of purchase to receive a full refund, thereafter no refunds or part refunds will be given. To exercise the right to cancel within the 14 day period, you…

Can I put garden waste in my black bin? We would urge residents to purchase a garden waste permit as putting garden waste in your brown bin allows this material to be recycled which is the most environmentally friendly solution and …

Can I share a brown bin collection service with my neighbour? If you want to share a brown bin with your neighbour(s), then you will require a garden waste permit. To share a brown bin, you would only be required to purchase one garden waste permit per b…

How do I apply and pay for a garden waste collection service permit? You can apply and pay for your permit online on this website using a debit or credit card. The annual charge per household for the collection of garden waste is £42.00 per bin. &nb…

How does the garden waste service work? If you would like to use the Council’s garden waste collection service you need to apply and pay for a seasonal permit online. You will need one permit for each brown bin you use. On…

How many garden waste collection permits and brown bins can I have? You can have as many brown bins as you need, but you must apply and pay £42.00 to receive a permit for each brown bin you use.

How much does a garden waste collection permit cost? One annual permit costs £42.00. You need one permit per brown bin.

How often will my brown bin be emptied? You will receive a fortnightly seasonal garden waste collection, as advertised. Present your brown bin with your blue recycling bin. Please note, collections commence in March and termina…

How will I stop residents who have not paid for the collection service placing garden waste in my bin? You are responsible for the waste and recycling that is contained within your bins and you will be required to make arrangements to remove any contamination identified. Please store your bin s…

How will my collection crew know I have paid for garden waste to be collected? Once payment has been received, your permit will be posted out and should be attached to the back of your brown bin below the handles. Each permit will detail the property address for which th…

I do not want participate in the new garden waste collection service. What happens next? We would encourage everyone to continue using the garden waste collection service, wherever possible. If you do not want to use this service, then you do not need to apply for a permit. …

I paid for my garden waste collection permit online and have not received it Once your payment has been processed, it can take up to 21 days to print the personalised permit for your bin and post it to your home. If it has been more than 21 days since you or…

Is there any other way to apply and pay for the garden waste collection permit, other than online? We recommend you apply and pay online. Should you have difficulty accessing the internet, or require assistance, please call the Garden Waste Helpline on 01475 714555. &n…

The Council supplies me with garden waste sacks. Do I still have to pay for a garden waste collection permit? Yes, you will be required to purchase a permit and we will uplift 3 bags of garden waste every fortnight.

What can I do if my brown bin is damaged during uplift? Please call the Garden Waste Helpline on 01475 714555. Damaged bins will be removed and replaced. If your permit is attached to the bin, a replacement bin and permit will be del…

What can I do if my brown bin is lost? Please call the Garden Waste Helpline on 01475 714555. A replacement bin and permit will be delivered free of charge.

What can I do with my garden waste if I choose not to buy a collection permit? • Garden waste can be disposed of free of charge at Pottery Street and Craigmuschat Recycling Centres. • Grass can be cut and left as this will break down and fertilise the growing …

What can I recycle in my brown bin? You can recycle garden waste such as grass cuttings, weeds, shrub cuttings, hedge trimmings, flowers, plants, leaves and twigs. Soil cannot be recycled in your brown bin. Brown bins containing…

What happens if I have paid for a garden waste collection permit and my brown bin collection is missed? Events such as severe weather, access difficulties, breakdowns or other conditions beyond the Council’s control may result in service disruption or missed collections. In such cases, ple…

What happens if I present my brown bin containing the wrong material? The Council reserves the right not to empty bins that are suspected of containing incorrect materials (such as soil); are of excessive weight; in a dangerous condition; or which may present a&…

What happens to my brown bin if I decide not to participate in the garden waste collection service? Your brown bin has been allocated to your address and remains the property of Inverclyde Council therefore should not be removed.

What will happen to bins that contain garden waste presented without a collection permit? We will only empty brown bins which display a valid seasonal garden waste permit. You have the option to take your garden waste to one of the recycling centres at Pottery St, Greenock or Craig…

When can I apply for my brown bin permit? We would encourage you to apply as early as you can so you do not miss out on the first collection. You can apply at any point in the year, but the cost will remain £42.00 per perm…

Where do I put my garden waste collection permit if I use council supplied garden waste sacks? Please stick your garden waste permit to one of your static ‘tuff’ bins and continue to present your garden waste sacks on the kerbside for collection.

Who can participate in the garden waste collection service? Many households in Inverclyde already have access to brown bins and a garden waste collection service. These households will continue to have the right to access this seasonal garden waste&nbs…

Why can soil not be recycled in my brown bin? Brown bins containing soil may become very heavy and will damage the lifting mechanism on the refuse collection vehicles. Heavy brown bins may present a health and safety risk to sta…