Registrations are currently closed, and will re-open on 1 December 2022.
If you would like your garden waste collected regularly, we offer a paid-for garden waste service.
- Permits cost each £35 for one year, which runs from November to November
- the 2022 / 2023 service year runs from 7 November 2022 to 5 November 2023
- we collect your brown bin once every two weeks
- you can pay by our newly launched direct debit option or make a one-off payment. If you pay by direct debit, your permit will renew automatically every year
- if you meet our eligibility criteria for an exemption you can receive the service for free but must still register
- you can order multiple permits
- your permit must be clearly visible on your bin as we can only empty bins with a valid permit sticker
- refer to terms and conditions
- you can only get a service if you sign up during a registration window
- we pause the service for 1 month during the Christmas period.
Our main registration window runs over summer, usually late July until early September. There is an opportunity to sign up for the service mid-year, this will run between December and May and more details on dates will be provided closer to the time. Keep an eye on our social media channels and website.
What goes in your garden waste bin
- Flowers, plants and weeds
- grass cuttings and leaves
- hedge clippings, twigs and small branches.
Please do not put the following in your brown bin. If you do, we won’t be able to empty it:
- Animal waste and bedding
- plant pots
- soil or turf.
Receiving your 2022 / 2023 permit
When you sign up for the 2022 / 2023 service, we will send you a confirmation email to let you know that you have successfully registered.
You’ll then receive your 2022 / 2023 permit and collections calendar by post within the dates outlined below. Please stick your permit on your brown bin as soon as you receive it, making sure it is clearly visible, and not over the top of any old permits.
You’ll receive your permit and collections calendar by post between 24 October and 2 November 2022.
If you don’t receive your permit in the post by 2 November please let us know as soon as possible, and before 2 December 2022, by emailing gardenwaste@edinburgh.gov.uk
Festive pause
We don’t collect garden waste from 19 December to 15 January. After 15 January 2023, we’ll collect your brown bin on your next normal collection day.
On your first January collection you can put Christmas trees in your garden waste bin. If it’s over 6ft, please chop it in half and remove the branches.
Damaged or missing bins
If you need a brown bin or it’s missing or damaged, you can order one for free by emailing gardenwaste@edinburgh.gov.uk. Please include your full name, address and the reason for your request.
Other ways to recycle garden waste