Change to Garden Waste subscription pricing for 2025/26

We know how much residents value our garden waste collection service, and we're committed to keeping it running efficiently for everyone. That's why, for the 2025/26 subscription period, instead of a flat fee for the first bin, the charge will now be based on your property's Council Tax band. 

• Households in Bands A - C will pay less than last year 
• Band D properties will see no change from last year 
• Bands E - H will pay slightly more than last year 

Even at the highest rate, our fees remain very competitive compared to neighbouring councils. Around half of our current subscribers will see no change or even a decrease in their subscription fee, with around 40% of all households within the district seeing a reduction, further to the reduction made last year. 

See how much your garden waste subscription will cost:

The new subscription service year runs from Monday 25 August 2025 to Sunday 23 August 2026. For those that are already subscribed and pay by Direct Debit, we will soon be notifying you by email (please check your junk inbox) or letter, and your subscription will renew automatically. If you're a new customer or ready to renew using a debit or credit card, you'll be able to sign up online from late July at: www.westberks.gov.uk/gardenwaste.  

Last year, we removed the need for subscription bin stickers thanks to new in-cab technology that tells our crews which properties are subscribed, saving over 33,000 pieces of plastic and paper issued as well as saving money, resources, and reducing waste. Crews will continue to carry out spot checks and only collect garden waste from households who have a valid subscription.  

To assist our collection crew, please remember to: 

• Put your green bin out with the handles facing the road.
• Add your house number via a label, sticker, pen or paint, if you'd like to help identify your bin.

Last year, our crews collected 14,275 tonnes of garden waste - that's the weight of 475 humpback whales! All of this was turned into high-quality soil conditioner at our Padworth facility, helping local landowners and landscapers be more green. 

Curious to see how we produce the soil conditioner? Watch our behind-the-scenes video: Your Garden Waste Collection Service (YouTube). 

Cllr Stuart Gourley, Executive Member for Environment and Highways at West Berkshire Council, said:

"Our garden waste service provides an easy and sustainable way for households to recycle their garden clippings, hedge trimmings and more.  

"Last year, over 33,200 households subscribed and this year, with changes that make pricing more accessible, we hope to welcome even more. The service doesn't just make life easier; it helps us recycle more and care for our local environment." 

To find out more, head to: www.westberks.gov.uk/gardenwaste.