City of London Garden Waste Collection

City of London Corporation · verified local guide

City of London Garden Waste Collection

The City of London offers Square Mile residents a free bookable doorstep garden-waste collection using council bags.

Apply, renew or check the serviceRead official council guidance

Council information checked 14 September 2026

Free trial serviceThe initial six-month trial runs from 1 April to 30 September 2026.
Book each collectionResidents request a doorstep collection when a bag is ready.
Council bag requiredEmpty bags are collected from listed City locations.

Plan your local garden-waste service

Collection season and festive changes

City of London Corporation may alter collections over Christmas, New Year or severe weather. Check its current service notice before putting the container out during holiday periods.

Container options

Book each collection Residents request a doorstep collection when a bag is ready. Council bag required Empty bags are collected from listed City locations. Bags must not be left on the public highway.

Renewal and service dates

Free trial service The initial six-month trial runs from 1 April to 30 September 2026. The service is free during the initial trial from 1 April to 30 September 2026.

Concessions and payment support

City of London Corporation’s checked service information does not state a standard concession in this summary. Check the official application before paying, as eligibility and support arrangements may change.

When are your bins next due?

Use our City of London Corporation collection guide for local collection information and access to the council’s current day checker.

Check when your bins are next due for collection

If your garden-waste collection is missed

Check the basics. If your correctly presented garden-waste collection is missed, first check for a service alert and any rejection reason. Confirm the container was out on time, accessible, not overfilled or contaminated, and that the subscription or permit is active. Report it through City of London Corporation’s current online route as soon as the council allows.
Use the official reporting route. Reporting windows differ, so follow the live council instructions rather than waiting for the next collection.

Check City of London Corporation service notices and missed-bin guidance →

What can go in the garden-waste container?

Accepted

Cut flowers, plants, house plants, twigs, small sticks up to 10cm in diameter, leaves and grass cuttings.

Not accepted

Animal waste, bedding, food waste, kitchen waste, large branches, soil, stones, invasive weeds, treated wood, compost bags, plant pots and seed trays.

When the collection service is not suitable

Local recycling-centre alternative

For garden waste that is too large, too heavy or not accepted in the collection, use the household recycling-centre guidance for the City of London Corporation area. Check the official page before travelling because booking rules, opening hours and accepted materials can change.

Find the council’s disposal guidance →

Extra local guidance

Bags must not be left on the public highway. Be at home or agree an accessible collection location with the crew.

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Straightforward answers, with local council checks where needed.

City of London Garden Waste FAQs

Who can use the service?

Residents living in the Square Mile.

Does it cost anything?

The service is free during the initial trial from 1 April to 30 September 2026.

Do collections need to be booked?

Yes. Book a collection when your council bag is ready.

Can the bag be left on the pavement?

No. It must be collected from the doorstep or another agreed accessible location.

Source: City of London Corporation official waste and recycling guidance, checked 14 September 2026.