Most neighbouring authorities already charge a similar amount for the first garden waste bin and only offer fortnightly collections. We are only charging for second and third green bin collections and the first green bin remains free for households. Garden waste collections are not a statutory service and incur additional costs. It's fair that people who produce more waste should contribute more towards this. This also helps to protect our weekly recycling and waste collections.

The decision to introduce charging was made by councillors at a meeting of Full Council held in public on February 2025. All budget proposals were subject to public consultation and the council issued statements to the media and posted on social media to raise awareness of the budget proposals.

The 2025/26 subscription starts on 12 May 2025 and ends on 31 March 2026. You can sign up from 31 March 2025.

£55 per bin per year. You can only have up to three green bins per property - one free, and up to two subscribed bins.

No, the additional green bin subscription is an ‘opt in’ service where people subscribe and pay annually. It won’t be part of your council tax.

In advance online using a debit or credit card. It’s quick and easy. You can subscribe from 31 March 2025.

No.

Online is the quickest and easiest way to subscribe but if you do not have internet access, and cannot ask someone to help, please call 01908 252570.

Label all bins (including the black, red, and blue lidded bins) with your house number or name.

The collection crew will determine who has paid for the service by checking for a permit sticker on each subscribed green bin. Ensure the sticker is clearly visible on the back of the bin below the handle, so the crew can easily spot it. The first green bin without a permit will be collected for free and only additional green bins with a valid permit sticker will be collected. 

We will only provide 140L green bins. If you already have a larger green bin, you can subscribe for that bin. You don't need to return it and order a new bin.

Composting at home is the best thing to do for the environment. Alternatively, you can book a slot and take it to a local recycling centre, where it will be recycled. Another option is to share a green bin with a neighbour.

At the same time as your first food and garden bin.

Yes. You'll need to set up an online account for each property that requires the subscription service.

No, subscriptions will not renew automatically. Renewals will open around February next year. You will receive an email notification in early 2026 with instructions on how to renew.

Long term evidence from other local authority areas shows no such issues. It is illegal to fly tip and we take firm action against fly tippers. Residents can compost their green waste or take it to a recycling centre for free.

If you move house, you won't be able to transfer your subscription to another property in MK or elsewhere. You'll need to pay for a new subscription at your new property. However, you can get a full refund if you return your permit sticker(s) and cancel your subscription within 14 days of your original payment.

You can only get a full refund if a subscription cancellation request is made in writing to customerservices@milton-keynes.gov.uk within 14 days of your original payment receipt and all delivered permit stickers are returned to the Council and received within 21 days of the original payment receipt. After this time, no refunds will be given for the remaining subscription period. Permit stickers must be returned to the following address with your name, phone number, and email address: Civic Offices, 1 Saxon Gate East, Milton Keynes, MK9 3EJ.

You can add a second bin to your subscription using the online form. The subscription for both bins will end on the same day.

If your permit sticker has been lost, damaged, or stolen, you can order a replacement permit sticker online.

If you live in a block of flats with a private garden, that's fine. If you live in a block of flats where a group of residents are responsible for maintaining the garden, that's fine. But if you live in a block of flats where the managing agent has arranged for a contract gardener, you can't subscribe as that would be treated as business waste.

An assisted collection is available on request (subject to eligibility). If you already receive an assisted collection for your first green bin you do not need to reapply. See more information about assisted collections.

Yes, you can put paper sacks and compostable bags in the green bin, but they are not required. Compostable bags should have the seedling logo and/or be certified to BS EN 13432. The council does not provide paper sacks or compostable bags for the green bin. No other plastic should be placed in the green bin.

No, it remains your responsibility to remove leaves or garden waste from your property.

We will not prune or lop trees purely to prevent leaf fall. If you have another issue about a tree, you can report it online.