The garden waste service in an opt-in chargeable service available to all Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole residents.

Getting your garden waste bin and sticker

If you register between 4 October 2023 and 15 December 2023 and are new to the garden waste collection service, we will deliver your bin in time for the start of the service from 29 January 2024.

For new and existing customers who apply on or before 15 December 2023, we will send you an information pack containing a bin sticker and a collection calendar in January 2024.

If you apply after 15 December 2023, we'll try our best to get you ready for the service as soon as possible, however we cannot guarantee that it will be before the start of the 2024 service on 29 January 2024.

If you register after 29 January 2024, we will deliver your bin and information pack within 6 weeks of your registration date.

Please make sure you place your 2024 collection sticker on your bin so that we know to empty it.

Garden waste collections start date

The 2024 service starts week commencing 29 January 2024, garden waste bins must display the 2024 service sticker from this date onwards to ensure your bin is emptied. The last collection will be on week ending 13 December 2024.

Please make sure you always put the bin out by 5am on your collection day. We will empty your bin fortnightly on the same day. We often make collections in the evening and may continue until 11pm.

What can and cannot go in your garden waste bin

The following can go in your garden waste bin:

• grass cuttings
• hedge and shrub clippings
• plants and weeds
• leaves
• twigs
• branches and bark
• cut flowers
• houseplants

The following cannot go in your garden waste bin:

• cardboard
• soil, turf, ash or garden chemicals
• any type of plastic (bags, liners or pots)
• food or kitchen waste
• invasive weeds (for example, Japanese Knotweed)
• stones, rubble, gravel or sand
• DIY rubbish or sawdust
• animal waste or bedding
• logs, large branches or wood

Garden waste bin size

The bins are 240 litres, with approximate dimensions of 1063mm high, 720mm wide and 560mm deep.

Missing or damaged bin

If your garden waste bin has been damaged or gone missing, please let us know.

If it's missing, please check that the bin is not nearby or at a neighbour's house.

Assisted collections

If you cannot put your bin out for collection due to being disabled or physically unable, you can ask us for an assisted collection. You should only ask if there is no one else at the property who can help.

Paying for multiple properties

If you would like to pay for multiple properties, for example, as a landlord or on behalf of other people as well as yourself, apply online and make sure you set up your account as a Customer not a Business. Please apply online, we are not able to invoice for the service.

Terms and conditions – 2024 service

Make sure you read the terms and conditions for the 2024 garden waste service. This is important information that you need to know before you sign up.

Further guidance

Please see our waste collection guidance for more information.