The council has reportedly proposed keeping the weekly free food-only green bin collection in place, but with the option of bringing in a permit to charge residents £59 a year for a weekly garden waste collection.
The proposed move is intended to save money as the council faces budget squeezes. (Image: MEN)
A council has proposed a £59 charge for green bin garden waste collections in a bid to cut costs.
Around 100,000 residents in Stockport, Greater Manchester, current get a weekly green bin collection for both garden and food waste free of charge.
But, faced with budget constraints, the council is planning to make changes that could save the local authority up to £2m.
Stockport council has proposed keeping the weekly free food-only green bin collection in place, but with the option of bringing in a permit to charge residents for a weekly garden waste collection (£59 a year), Manchester Evening News reports.
This would be discounted to £39 for those receiving council tax support, under the proposed changes.
Stockport in Greater Manchester (Image: Getty)
The move would also see blue bin collections, used to recycle things like paper and cardboard, being collected once every four weeks rather than every two weeks, as per the outlet.
Cllr. Mark Roberts, Deputy Leader and Member for Climate Change & Environment of the council, insisted the savings would “protect vital frontline services” including funding for things like social care, libraries, and parks.
“Over 75 per cent of our budget supports essential services for vulnerable children and adults here in Stockport,” the Lib Dem said.
“Due to these constraints we must make tough decisions, and one of those proposed changes is charging for garden waste collection, a service that most councils across the country already charge for.”
