Garden waste service
You can recycle your garden waste all year round using our garden waste service for an annual fee.
These changes to the service make it fairer and more convenient. Only those who use the service pay for it, and if you want a garden waste collection you no longer need to book it.
Home composting is cheaper and much more environmentally friendly than collecting garden waste. We are offering residents discounted home composting bins.
Cost
The annual fee of £25 is for the collection of your garden waste. Garden waste bags are not included in the fee and can be bought for £5 each.
| Item |
Cost |
Comments |
| Registration of the scheme |
£25 per year |
This covers the collection of two reusable bags on a fortnightly collection |
| Additional permit |
£10 |
For each additional reusable bag you want collected |
| Reusable bags |
£5 |
The costs for registration and permits do not include bags therefore if you require these they must be purchased separately |
| Degradable bags |
£15 |
For larger collections, these can only be used for residents already subscribed to the scheme |
Apply and pay for a garden waste permit and bags
To use our service: 
We will post your garden waste permits to you with information about your collection day and other details unless you come in person to Shakespeare Road.
Garden waste bags will be delivered directly to your house and left in a secure place at the front of your property. Replacement bags and permits will arrive within two weeks.
About our service
When you register you will be issued with two permits which you will need to attach to two green reusable garden waste bags. Permits are valid from 1 April until 31 March the following year.
Your garden waste is collected every two weeks throughout the year. It will be collected on all bank holidays with the exception of 25 December and 1 January.
Do not put garden waste bags out for collection if you do not have a permit. We do not collect waste that is not in one of our garden waste bags.
What other ways can I dispose of my garden waste?
You can dispose of your garden waste for free by taking it to the Lambeth Reuse and Recycling Centre on Vale Street, West Norwood, SE27 9PA which is open from Thursday to Monday.
You can also use the Reuse and Recycling Centres at Cringle Dock, Battersea, SW8 5BX and Smugglers Way, Wandsworth, SW18 1JS.
Alternatively, try composting at home to get a rich soil improver for your garden. To get compost bins and other products at reduced prices, visit our partner website www.lambeth.getcomposting.com or call 0844 571 4444.
We can help you to set up a community composting scheme in your local area. We may also be able to provide your scheme with special composting bins for your food and green waste.
If you are interested in finding out more about community composting and how it works or would like to get started but are not sure how to, please contact us for advice and information. Call 020 7926 9000 or email Recycling@lambeth.gov.uk.
You could also try grasscycling – mowing your garden regularly and leaving the short clippings on the lawn to help retain fertility. Special mulching mowers are available, but the process works with normal mowers as long as you cut the grass regularly. Grass cuttings also make an excellent mulch for shrubs. For more information see our Guide to Grasscycling.
We have put together some further answers to questions you may have on our garden waste service.