By Isle of Wight Observer
Households signed up to the IW Council’s ‘Green Garden Waste’ collection service can renew their subscription from this week.
Existing customers are being given priority to renew, with the renewal window open until March 10. New subscribers will be able to sign up from February 10.
The optional fortnightly scheme allows residents to have garden waste collected from the kerbside, including grass cuttings, leaves, flowers, hedge clippings, weeds, roots, and brambles. Items such as logs, rubble, and soil are not accepted.
Subscribers can choose either a 240-litre wheeled bin or three reusable hessian sacks. The service costs £102 per year, working out at £8.50 a month, and runs from April 1 to March 31. The subscription also includes a free Christmas tree collection in January.
Residents who pay by direct debit should have their subscription renewed automatically and will have received an email confirming their payment details for 2026. Those who pay annually by card will also have been emailed with instructions on how to re-subscribe and are advised to check their inbox and junk folder. Anyone wishing to cancel a direct debit must do so by 5pm on March 3.
Garden waste collected through the scheme is composted locally on the Island and turned into a soil conditioner to help improve soil structure and plant growth.
Cllr Karen Lucioni, chairman of the environment and community protection committee, said the service helps residents avoid transporting heavy and wet garden waste in their cars.
Natasha Dix, service director for waste, environment and planning, said the scheme remains extremely popular and urged existing customers to renew early to secure their place.
Further information and renewal details are available via iw.observer/garden-waste.
Mal Butler