Most neighbouring authorities already charge a similar amount for the first garden waste bin and only offer fortnightly collections. We are only charging for second and third green bin collections and the first green bin remains free for households. Garden waste collections are not a statutory service and incur additional costs. It's fair that people who produce more waste should contribute more towards this. This also helps to protect our weekly recycling and waste collections.

The 2026/27 subscription year starts on 1 April 2026 and ends on 31 March 2027.

£55 per bin per year. You can only have up to three green bins per property in total - one free, and up to two subscribed bins.

Payment is taken using a debit or credit card when you subscribe It’s quick and easy. Subscribe using the online form.

Label all bins (including the black, red, and blue lidded bins) with your house number or name.

The collection crew will determine who has paid for the service by checking for a permit sticker on each subscribed green bin. Ensure the sticker is clearly visible on the back of the bin below the handle, so the crew can easily spot it. The first green bin without a permit will be collected for free and only additional green bins with a valid permit sticker will be collected. 

Contact Customer Services to request a replacement. You’ll need the 9‑digit permit ID, which you can find either printed in the Subscription Address box on the sticker or by scanning the large QR code on the sticker to view your subscription details.

We will only provide 140L green bins. If you already have a larger green bin or 140L green bin at your property, you can use it as a subscribed bin. You don't need to order a new bin.

Online is the quickest and easiest way to subscribe but if you do not have internet access, and cannot ask someone to help, please call Customer Services on 01908 252570 for assistance.

Composting at home is the best thing to do for the environment. Alternatively, you can book a slot and take it to a local recycling centre, where it will be recycled. Another option is to share a green bin with a neighbour.

On the same day as your first food and garden bin.

Yes. You’ll need a separate online account for each property.

If you move house, you won't be able to transfer your subscription to another property in MK or elsewhere. You'll need to pay for a new subscription at your new property. However, you can get a full refund if you return your permit sticker(s) and cancel your subscription within 14 days of your original payment.

You can only get a full refund if a subscription cancellation request is made by completing our customer contact form within 14 days of your original payment receipt and all delivered permit stickers are returned to the Council and received within 21 days of the original payment receipt. After this time, no refunds will be given for the remaining subscription period. Permit stickers must be returned to the following address with your name, phone number, and email address: Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Milton Keynes, MK9 3EJ.

You can add a second bin to your subscription using the online form. The subscription for both bins will end on the same day.

No. Subscriptions do not renew automatically. If you wish to continue the service, you’ll need to renew your subscription each year.

Renewals will open in February 2027, and current subscribers will receive an email in early 2027 with full instructions on how to renew.

If you live in a block of flats with a private garden, that's fine. If you live in a block of flats where a group of residents are responsible for maintaining the garden, that's fine. But if you live in a block of flats where the managing agent has arranged for a contract gardener, you can't subscribe as that would be treated as business waste.

An assisted collection is available on request (subject to eligibility). If you already receive an assisted collection for your first green bin you do not need to reapply. See more information about assisted collections.

Yes, you can put paper sacks and compostable bags in the green bin, but they are not required. Compostable bags should have the seedling logo and/or be certified to BS EN 13432. The council does not provide paper sacks or compostable bags for the green bin. No other plastic should be placed in the green bin.

No, it remains your responsibility to remove leaves or garden waste from your property.

We will not prune or lop trees purely to prevent leaf fall. If you have another issue about a tree, you can report it online.