Garden waste
Sign-up to, renew, change or end a paid garden waste collection
Use our online form to set up and renew or pay for a new garden waste service or to make changes such as ending your service or adding additional bins. The renewal period for Lewes district and Eastbourne residents is now closed. You will need to start a new service.
Before making your application, you must read the terms and conditions of the service below.
Important information for Lewes District Council customers
Please note that from 1 April 2023 the following amendments will be made to the Terms and Conditions by amending clause 2.1 under Variation of this contract clause 12.1.
Clause 2.1 will now say:
The Garden Waste Scheme runs for 48 weeks of the year and the Council reserves the right to suspend the service in December and January for up to four weeks, often between Christmas and New Year. Details of collection days will be published on the Council's website.
We have also provided extra details under clause 9 regarding cancelling the service and added an additional clause of 17.1 which provides details of the how to access the council's complaints policy.
Important information for Eastbourne Borough Council customers
Please note that from 1 April 2023 the following amendments will be made to the Terms and Conditions under Variation of this contract clause 12.1.
We have also provided extra details under clause 9 regarding cancelling the service and added an additional clause of 17.1 which provides details of the how to access the council's complaints policy.
Download terms and conditions
Garden waste service terms and conditions - Lewes District Council (PDF) [127KB]
Garden waste service terms and conditions - Eastbourne Borough Council (PDF) [126KB]
Garden waste - Lewes District Council
Garden waste collections in Lewes district
The service runs from April each year to the following March, and costs £70 for the year. 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 over the Christmas period*)
- a permit sticker for each bin
- the option to renew the service before April each year
*Due to significantly lower use of the service over the Christmas period, we have increased the winter break in collections from two weeks to four. This means you would receive one less collection in the coming year. Doing this means we are able to operate a more sustainable service. We will still collect real Christmas trees after the winter break.
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.
Garden waste renewals
Residents who currently receive garden waste collections will be able to renew their subscription online from 5 January 2023 until 31 March 2023. You will receive a permit sticker for each garden waste bin you renew.
If you do not renew before 31 March, your service will stop and you will have to start a new service. Permits may take up to 10 working days to arrive.
Collection days
We collect garden waste fortnightly. Your collection dates are printed on your permit for convenience.
Frequently asked questions
What if I can't fit all my garden waste in one bin?
If you generate more garden waste than you can fit in one bin, you can now have an additional bin emptied every fortnight for half price. Whether you're new to the service or you're already signed up, you can add an extra bin for just £35 using the online form at the top of this page.
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.
How will you know I have paid for the service?
We will send you a permit to stick on your garden waste bin. This will include your address but not your name. Please follow the instructions on the back of the sticker to affix it to your bin. The sticker needs to be clearly visible to be sure that the collection teams will see it and empty the bin.
When you renew the service we will send you a new permit, which is a different colour for next year's service. Please remember to remove the old permit and replace it with the new one.
When will I get my permit sticker?
If you renew your service between 5 January and 1 March, your permit should arrive by mid-March. If you order after this, please allow 10 working for your permit to arrive before contacting us.
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 of £70 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 5 January and 31 March. For example if you join in November 2021 you pay £70 until end of March 2022 and will then be required to renew by the end of March 2022 to continue to receive the service from April 2022.
What goes in garden waste bins?
Yes please - we accept in your brown lidded garden waste bin:
- Grass cuttings, leaves and hedge trimmings
- Shrubs, plants and flowers
- 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 Councils may bill you for. Details can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
- Bin re-delivery charge = LDC and EBC / £30
- Charge for lost, stolen or damaged garden waste bin = LDC and EBC / £50 (includes delivery)
- Cancellation fee if within 12 weeks of signing up for the service but post 14 days = LDC and EBC / £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 - Eastbourne Borough Council
Garden waste collections in Eastbourne
The service runs from April each year to the following March, and costs £57 for the year. 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
- a permit sticker for each bin
- 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.
Garden waste renewals
Residents who currently receive garden waste collections will be able to renew their subscription online from 5 January 2023 until 31 March 2023. You will receive a permit sticker for each garden waste bin you renew.
If you do not renew before 31 March, your service will stop and you will have to start a new service. Permits may take up to 10 working days to arrive.
Collection days
We collect garden waste fortnightly. Your collection dates are printed on your permit for convenience.
Frequently asked questions
Why has the cost increased?
We have had to make this change in response to the increased costs of operating the service and the financial challenges the council, like all local authorities, is facing.
Can I have more than one garden waste bin?
Yes you can, however please note the cost per bin is £57.
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 my garden waste bin goes missing?
Please report this to us using the form above (Start now) and we will arrange a replacement bin as soon as we can.
How will you know I have paid for the service?
We will send you a permit to stick on your garden waste bin. This will include your address and not your name. Please follow the instructions on the back of the sticker to affix it to your bin. The sticker needs to be clearly visible to be sure that the collection teams will see it and empty the bin.
When you renew the service we will send you a new permit, which is a different colour for next year's service. Please remember to remove the old permit and replace it with the new one.
When will I get my permit sticker?
If you renew your service between 5 January and 1 March, your permit should arrive by mid-March. If you order after this, please allow 10 working for your permit to arrive before contacting us.
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.
Can I pay monthly?
No. We are only able to accept payment for the full annual fee of £57 per bin.
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 of £57 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 05 January and 31 March. For example if you join in November 2023 you pay £57 until end of March 2024 and will then be required to renew by the end of March 2024 to continue to receive the service from April 2024.
Can I request an assisted collection for my garden waste?
You can request an assisted collection at any time here:
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
- 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 Councils may bill you for. Details can be found in our Terms and Conditions.
- Bin re-delivery charge = LDC and EBC / £30
- Charge for lost, stolen or damaged garden waste bin = LDC and EBC / £50 (includes delivery)
- Cancellation fee if within 12 weeks of signing up for the service but post 14 days = LDC and EBC / £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.