Garden waste
Change to payment methods for the 25/26 year
Sign-up to, renew, change or end a paid garden waste collection
Use our online form to renew or pay for a new garden waste service or to make changes such as ending your service or adding additional bins.
Garden waste collections in Lewes district
The service runs from April each year to the following March. It costs £83 for the first bin and extra bins are £41.50 each. You will need to renew your subscription each year in order to continue collections.
Members of the scheme receive:
- a free 240 litre garden waste recycling bin
- fortnightly collections until the following March (there are no collections for four weeks over the Christmas period*)
- the option to renew the service before April each year
We will usually deliver your bin within 10 working days of processing your sign-up, but please bear with us if your delivery is delayed.
If you do not renew before 31 March, your service will stop and you will have to start a new service.
Sign up
Collection days
We collect garden waste fortnightly.
Frequently asked questions
What if I don't produce that much garden waste every fortnight?
If you can't fill a 240-litre wheelie bin every two weeks, you could share the service with a neighbour, and share the cost with them too. You and your neighbour can fill your garden waste bin and leave it out for collection as normal.
Can I share a garden waste bin with a neighbour?
Yes, you can, though the bin would need to be registered to a single property.
What happens if I move home?
If you move to a different part of Lewes district please take your bin with you and let us know so we can update your records to make sure your collections continue. If you move house and are unable to take your garden waste bin(s) with you, then we will move them for £15. If you move out of the Lewes district we are unable to offer a refund.
What happens if my garden waste bin goes missing?
Please report this to us and we will arrange a replacement bin as soon as we can.
Replace a lost or damaged container
Can I pay monthly?
No. We are only able to accept payment for the full annual fee per bin.
Can I request an assisted collection for my garden waste?
You can request an assisted collection at any time here:
Can I join the service part way through the year?
The service runs from 1 April until 31 March each year. You can join at any time during the calendar year but the full charge will apply. You will then need to renew again to receive the service from 1 April each year. Renewals for the following years' service must be paid for in advance, which must be done between January and 31 March. For example if you join in November you pay the full price until end of the following March and will then be required to renew by the end of March to continue to receive the service from April.
When is the winter break?
Due to significantly lower use of the service over the Christmas period, there is a four-week winter break in collections from mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026. Doing this means we are able to operate a more sustainable service. We will still collect real Christmas trees after the winter break.
What can I put in my garden waste bin?
Yes please - we accept in your brown lidded garden waste bin:
- Grass cuttings, leaves and hedge trimmings
- Shrubs, plants and flowers - including Christmas trees
- Brush wood (up to 10cm/4" diameter)
- House plants
No thanks - we do not accept in your brown lidded garden waste bin:
- Food waste
- Packaging waste
- Plastic bags
- Boulders, bricks, concrete, tiles and ceramics
- Soil
- Wire, metal and textiles
- Treated and painted wood
- Japanese knotweed
Please remember:
- Put your bin at the boundary of your property by 6am on your collection day
- All garden waste should be put into your bin loose, without plastic bags or sacks
- If crews are unable to gain access due to road works, parked cars or adverse weather, they will try to return as soon as possible. Please leave your bin out until it is emptied
- During periods of extreme weather, please check our website for updates on your collections
What happens if my garden waste bin goes missing?
Please report this to us and we will arrange a replacement bin as soon as we can.
Replace a lost or damaged container
Other fees and charges
Below is a list of charges that the council may bill you for. Details can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
- Bin re-delivery charge £30
- Charge for lost, stolen or damaged garden waste bin £50 (includes delivery)
- Cancellation fee if within 12 weeks of signing up for the service but post 14 days £10
Home composting
For details on home composting and how to get a reduced price compost bin, food waste digester or water butt, visit East Sussex County Council's composting at home page.
Garden waste collections in Eastbourne
The service runs from April each year to the following March and cost £80 per bin. You will need to renew your subscription each year in order to continue collections.
Members of the scheme receive:
- a free 240 litre garden waste recycling bin
- fortnightly collections until the following March (there are no collections for four weeks over the Christmas period)
- the option to renew the service before April each year
We will usually deliver your bin within 10 working days of processing your sign-up, but please bear with us if your delivery is delayed.
If you do not renew before 31 March, your service will stop, and you will have to start a new service.
Sign up
Collection days
We collect garden waste fortnightly. You can download your collection calendar from Environment First website
Frequently asked questions
What if I don't produce that much garden waste every fortnight?
If you can't fill a 240-litre wheelie bin every two weeks, you could share the service with a neighbour, and share the cost with them too. You and your neighbour can fill your garden waste bin and leave it out for collection as normal.
Can I share a garden waste bin with a neighbour?
Yes, you can, though the bin would need to be registered to a single property.
What happens if I move home?
If you move to a different part of Eastbourne please take your bin with you and let us know so we can update your records to make sure your collections continue. If you move house and are unable to take your garden waste bin(s) with you, then we will move them for £15. If you move out of Eastbourne we are unable to offer a refund.
What happens if my garden waste bin goes missing?
Please report this to us and we will arrange a replacement bin as soon as we can.
Replace a lost or damaged container
Can I pay monthly?
No. We are only able to accept payment for the full annual fee per bin.
Can I request an assisted collection for my garden waste?
You can request an assisted collection at any time here:
Can I join the service part way through the year?
The service runs from 1 April until 31 March each year. You can join at any time during the calendar year but the full charge will apply. You will then need to renew again to receive the service from 1 April each year. Renewals for the following years' service must be paid for in advance, which must be done between January and 31 March. For example, if you join in November you pay until end of the following March and will then be required to renew by the end of March to continue to receive the service from April onwards.
When is the winter break?
Due to significantly lower use of the service over the Christmas period, there is a four-week winter break in collections from mid-December 2025 to mid-January 2026. Doing this means we are able to operate a more sustainable service. We will still collect real Christmas trees after the winter break.
What can I put in my garden waste bin?
Yes please - we accept in your brown lidded garden waste bin:
- Grass cuttings, leaves and hedge trimmings
- Shrubs, plants and flowers - including Christmas trees
- Brush wood (up to 10cm/4" diameter)
- House plants
No thanks - we do not accept in your brown lidded garden waste bin:
- Food waste
- Packaging waste
- Plastic bags
- Boulders, bricks, concrete, tiles and ceramics
- Soil
- Wire, metal and textiles
- Treated and painted wood
- Japanese knotweed
Please remember:
- Put your bin at the boundary of your property by 6am on your collection day
- All garden waste should be put into your bin loose, without plastic bags or sacks
- If crews are unable to gain access due to road works, parked cars or adverse weather, they will try to return as soon as possible. Please leave your bin out until it is emptied
- During periods of extreme weather, please check our website for updates on your collections
Other fees and charges
Below is a list of charges that the council may bill you for. Details can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
- Bin re-delivery charge £30
- Charge for lost, stolen or damaged garden waste bin £50 (includes delivery)
- Cancellation fee if within 12 weeks of signing up for the service but post 14 days £10
Home composting
For details on home composting and how to get a reduced price compost bin, food waste digester or water butt, visit East Sussex County Council's composting at home page.
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