Garden Waste Collections
a refuse worker drags two bins to the refuse lorry

Current subscriptions

The garden waste scheme for 2024-25 (collections from 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025) is now closed for new subscriptions.

Winter collection dates 2024-25

After the winter break, garden waste collections will restart and run to the 31 March 2025 as follows:

  • Ilkeston and surrounding areas - collections start during the week of 17 February 2025
  • Long Eaton and surrounding areas - collections start during week of 24 February 2025

New subscriptions for 2025-26

Subscriptions will reopen on 27 January 2025 for new sign ups or to renew subscriptions ready for the 2025-26 garden waste scheme (collections from 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026). 

You will be able to sign up for yourself and/or family and friends by completing a short form.  We will be running a campaign from the end of January to remind you to sign up. 

Charges for 2025-26

If you sign up before 31 March 2025, you can take advantage of our early bird offer, the first subscription will cost just £25, with subscriptions for additional bins costing £18.75.  Prices from 1st April will go up to £37 and £27.75 for additional bins. You will receive 20 collections with a short break over the winter months.

For further information about the subscription service, please see our Garden Waste Information page and Terms and Conditions page.

Using brown bins for recycling during the winter months

Brown bins can no longer be used for extra recycling over the winter months.  This will prevent the mixing of waste which can happen when bins are used for different materials at different times.

If you regularly have extra recycling, an additional blue bin can be purchased, or extra recycling presented at the side of your blue bin in green bags or clear plastic bags. Green bags can be collected from the Town Halls or Victoria Park / West Park Leisure Centres.

What to put in the brown bin

  • Grass cuttings
  • Plants and weeds - with soil shaken off roots
  • Hedge and shrub clippings
  • Leaves, twigs and small branches
  • Trimmed branches (no thicker than 3 inches/8 cm).
  • Cut flowers
  • Windfalls (fallen fruit such as apples)

All garden waste should put in the brown bin loose, not bagged or wrapped. The garden waste collected is sent to be composted.

What cannot go in brown bin

  • Soil and turf
  • Invasive weeds like Japanese Knotweed, Ragwort, Giant Hogweed, Himalayan Balsam, Rhododendron and Hemlock.
  • Wood and timber
  • Animal waste and bedding
  • Bricks, rubble, garden stone, rocks or pebbles
  • Garden tools and equipment, plant pots, ornaments
  • Plastic of any kind
  • Food waste
  • Household waste

Brown bins must be out for collection by 7am on collection day and placed at the edge of the property where it joins the footpath or road, or at an agreed collection point. We cannot guarantee that collections will take place at the same time every fortnight. Brown bins are collected on the same day as recycling.

New and Replacement Brown Bins

New Brown Bin 240 litre: £39.00

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