Colchester Garden Waste Collection

Colchester City Council · verified local guide

Colchester Garden Waste Collection

Colchester provides a paid fortnightly brown-bin garden-waste service, with subscriptions running until 31 March 2027.

Apply, renew or check the serviceRead official council guidance

Council information checked 14 September 2026

£32.50 mid-season renewalRenewals from 1 September to 30 November 2026 receive the reduced service fee.
£67.49 new mid-season serviceThis includes the £34.99 joining fee and £32.50 service fee per bin.
Every two weeksThe service provides up to 25 collections annually.

Plan your local garden-waste service

Collection season and festive changes

Colchester City Council 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

£67.49 new mid-season service This includes the £34.99 joining fee and £32.50 service fee per bin. Attach the permit under the bin handle. All 2026/27 subscriptions expire on 31 March 2027, and households may subscribe for up to five bins.

Renewal and service dates

Colchester provides a paid fortnightly brown-bin garden-waste service, with subscriptions running until 31 March 2027. £32.50 mid-season renewal Renewals from 1 September to 30 November 2026 receive the reduced service fee.

Concessions and payment support

£32.50 mid-season renewal Renewals from 1 September to 30 November 2026 receive the reduced service fee.

When are your bins next due?

Use our Colchester City Council 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 Colchester City Council’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 Colchester City Council service notices and missed-bin guidance →

What can go in the garden-waste container?

Accepted

Grass cuttings, leaves, weeds, flowers, plants, hedge clippings, prunings, twigs and suitable herbivore bedding.

Not accepted

Food waste, soil, rubble, large branches, plastic bags, plant pots, treated wood, stones, pet litter and invasive or toxic material.

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 Colchester City Council 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

Attach the permit under the bin handle. All 2026/27 subscriptions expire on 31 March 2027, and households may subscribe for up to five bins.

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Straightforward answers, with local council checks where needed.

Colchester Garden Waste FAQs

How much is the current mid-season offer?

Renewals cost £32.50 per bin; new customers pay £67.49 per bin including the joining fee.

How often are collections?

Fortnightly, with up to 25 scheduled collections annually.

When does the subscription end?

All 2026/27 subscriptions end on 31 March 2027.

How many bins can I subscribe for?

Up to five garden-waste bins.

Source: Colchester City Council official waste and recycling guidance, checked 14 September 2026.