Residents who signed up to keep getting garden waste collected after cash-squeezed Erewash council reluctantly brought in its brown bin charge are set to continue paying way less than people living in most other local authorities.
Two thirds of households* opted in when the annual fee of up to £37 was launched last spring – with most dashing to grab an early bird deal that cut the price to £20.
There were no plans for a similar discount in 2025. But officials have now recommended there should still be an early bird offer, although it will rise by a fiver.
It means people signing up by 31 March will pay £25 – equivalent to 49p a week.
The full price payable after that date will be pegged at £37. Nearby local authorities charge an average of £46 – while the typical fee nationwide is £56 even BEFORE any New Year rises.
A report stresses: “The proposed charges would be the lowest of any of the Derbyshire or immediate neighbouring local councils which charge.”
The pricing recommendations for 2025 are poised to get the green light when council leader James Dawson and his top team meet at Ilkeston Town Hall on Tuesday 26 November
Cheaper deals on additional bins will also be available to those signing up early.
There was no direct debit option when the council introduced charges in the spring – and this remains the case, meaning residents need to subscribe again. They will be encouraged to do so online using their My Erewash accounts just like before.
The charges will be subject to a vote by the full council – ahead of the 2025 offer being launched at the end of January.
The report adds: “To support home composting, information is provided on the council website on how to home compost and to purchase a home compost bin.
“Last year the council subsidised composting bins and offered half price bins for up to 1,000 households.” The plan is for this to continue for another year. Cllr Mark Alfrey, Erewash’s Lead Member for Environment, said:
“The council wishes to thank the huge number of residents who signed up to keep getting their brown bins emptied. We are pleased to have again come up with an early bird offer as we head into 2025.
“In comparison to nearby local authorities where the average charge is £46 and a national average at £56, Erewash Borough Council is the lowest of any authority within Derbyshire. People signing up early will save £12 on the full price – which is a great deal compared to local and national charges. Details will be publicised at the end of January.”
*Excludes households living in flats.
Head to the garden waste pages for information on the service.
Have you signed up to the council's email newsletter yet ? Find out more and subscribe at EBC News.