Garden waste
Service Update: Permits
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. The renewal period for Lewes district and Eastbourne residents is now closed. If you did not renew before 31 March 2024 you will have to start a new service instead.
Garden waste collections in Lewes district
The service runs from April each year to the following March. You will need to renew your subscription each year in order to continue collections.
The cost of the service for April 2024 to March 2025 is £80 per year - an increase of £10 on previous years. This is the first time we have had to increase the cost of the service since it was launched in 2016. Why we have had to increase the cost of our garden waste service
If you would like more than one bin collected, additional services cost £40 per bin.
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*)
- 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.
If you did 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 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 £40 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.
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 £80 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 9 January and 31 March. For example if you join in November 2024 you pay £80 until end of March 2025 and will then be required to renew by the end of March 2025 to continue to receive the service from April 2026.
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
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 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 collections in Eastbourne
The service runs from April each year to the following March. You will need to renew your subscription each year in order to continue collections.
The cost of the service for April 2024 to March 2025 is £70 per bin, per year.
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*)
- the option to renew the service before April each year
*Due to significantly lower use of the service, we have increased the winter break so there are no collections over the Christmas and New Year period. 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.
If you did 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
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 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 and we will arrange a replacement bin as soon as we can.
Replace a lost or damaged container
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 £70 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 £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 09 January and 31 March. For example if you join in November 2024 you pay £70 until end of March 2025 and will then be required to renew by the end of March 2025 to continue to receive the service from April 2026.
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.
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