Epping Forest District Council has announced that it will separate collections of food and garden waste across the area from March 31, 2026.
The new service will see food and garden waste collected separately, with households set to receive new brown kerbside and kitchen caddies strictly for food waste disposal.
Weekly food recycling collections will be rolled out from March 31, 2026, with the existing green-lidded wheelie bins reserved for the disposal of garden waste only.
The council has encouraged residents to subscribe early to ensure continuity of collection.
The new garden waste subscription service will start on March 31, 2026, with residents able to apply for the service from February 1, 2026.
An annual charge of £60 for the subscription – equivalent to £5 a month – will be applied for the service.
The council says this matches the pricing level of other councils in the county.
Residents who sign up to the service will continue to use their current green-lidded bin and will not be subject to a set-up fee.
Subscribing households can have up to three additional bins for a slightly reduced price per bin, a measure introduced to cater for those who need more bins.
These households will receive a permit to be attached to their green-lidded bin as proof of paid subscription.
Bins lacking a permit will be left uncollected.
Households opting out can switch to home composting. Discounted compost bins and free online courses courtesy of the Love Essex initiative are available.
The council says that introducing the subscription charge will allow it to continue providing this much-valued service for those who use it most.
Councillor Ray Balcombe, who is responsible for contracts delivery, said: “I’d like to thank the residents of Epping Forest district for their co-operation once again as we make another change to our waste service.
“Your patience, understanding and support has been such a crucial part of implementing these changes.
“Residents will know that councillors debated, at length, whether to introduce a subscription charge for garden waste.
“Although we agreed it is not ideal, it was ultimately decided as a necessary step to help with budget challenges, keep council tax low and to help align us before the new Essex councils are formed under LGR.”
He added: “We recognise the financial pressures on many households.
“We believe this approach is fairer for everyone, as only those who use the service will be charged for it, meaning the extra costs won’t be absorbed into council tax for all households. It is entirely the residents’ decision whether to subscribe.”
Further details regarding the necessary changes to the household waste collection arrangements are available on the council’s official website.
Visit https://www.eppingforestdc.gov.uk/recycling-and-rubbish/food-and-garden-bin-changes/ for more information.
