Bolton Garden Waste Collection
Bolton provides a free fortnightly food-and-garden-waste collection in the standard green bin. Residents who need more capacity can subscribe for an additional garden-only green bin.
Council information checked 13 September 2026
Service at a glance
Standard green bin
Eligible homes receive the ordinary food-and-garden-waste service without a subscription.
Every two weeks
The standard green bin is collected on the recycling cycle.
Extra bin option
A second 240-litre garden-only bin costs £37.50 to March 2027, plus a first-year setup charge.
Using the service
- Check the official council page before subscribing or presenting waste.
- Keep all accepted material inside the correct garden-waste container.
- Use the council collection service for current dates and disruption notices.
- Do not contaminate garden waste with bags, soil, rubble or household rubbish.
What can go in the container?
Accepted
Flowers, plants, leaves, grass cuttings, hedge clippings, twigs, small branches and the food waste listed by Bolton Council.
Not accepted
Liquids, plastic bags, food packaging, glass, rubble, turf, ash, soil, stone, animal faeces, cat litter and rubbish for other bins.
Extra guidance
The additional subscription bin is for garden waste only; food waste must stay in the standard service container.
Check the latest council information
Charges, dates and operating arrangements can change. Use the official council links before paying or presenting waste.
Check your household bin collection
For household bin dates and local collection information, see our Bolton Council bin collection guide.
Bolton Garden Waste FAQs
Is Bolton’s standard green-bin service free?
Yes. Bolton provides a free food-and-garden-waste service for eligible households.
How often is the green bin collected?
It is collected every two weeks with recycling.
How much is an extra green bin?
The 2026/27 annual charge is £37.50, with a £35 first-year setup and delivery charge.
Can food go in the extra subscribed bin?
No. The extra bin is for garden waste only.
Source: Bolton Council official waste and recycling guidance, checked 13 September 2026.