Residents can now apply for their new garden waste collection permits from Warwick District Council.

From 1 August households wishing to have their grass cuttings, weeds, leaves or branches removed from their green bins will need to have pay for a permit from the council.

A £20 fee will cover collections between 1 August and 31 March 2023, with a revised fee - which is yet to be confirmed - introduced next April.

The new bin charges were approved by the council at the end of February, despite the backlash from residents.

Optional green bin collections will form part of the council's new 123+ system which is still going ahead despite the collapse of the merger with Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

 "There has been a significant rise in the cost of the waste collection service due to various external factors, it has therefore not been possible to maintain a free garden waste collection service paid for through council tax," said Cllr Alan Rhead, portfolio holder for environment and neighbourhood services.

"As a result we are regretfully having to introduce a fee for this discretionary service. The initial £20 charge to April 2023 equates to about 60p per week and will be reviewed later this year, as we endeavour to keep it as affordable as possible.

"Households in the district who do not wish to subscribe will continue to have the option of taking their garden waste to the recycling centres at Princes Drive in Leamington or Cherry Orchard in Kenilworth.

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"Alternatively some residents may prefer to home compost their uncooked food and garden waste and at the same provide themselves with a free soil conditioner."

Applications for garden waste permits (which will be valid from 1 August 2022) can be made by visiting https://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/gardenwaste.