Residents of Northwood and Ruislip have criticised Hillingdon Council’s decision to introduce a subscription-based garden waste collection service.
The service costs £70 per year and includes weekly collections between March and November, and fortnightly collections from December to February.
With locals able to sign up from Monday, June 9, collections began on Monday, July 7. Residents who do not subscribe to the service will no longer have their garden waste collected.
The change was introduced following a public consultation. A petition was subsequently received objecting to the subscription charge, but Hillingdon Council announced last month that the change was going ahead.
Several residents have since expressed their frustration on the council’s Facebook page.
One said: “Surely our council tax bills for this year include collection of garden waste, so will we be getting a partial refund?”
Many suggested that the change would have a negative impact on the environment, as some residents would resort to holding bonfires to get rid of garden waste, while others said that fly tipping would get worse.
Others said they had no official communication from the council regarding the change in service.
Councillor Eddie Lavery, Hillingdon Council’s cabinet member for community and environment, said: “Delivering value for money for residents and sustainable services remains a key priority for the council, despite financial pressures.
“While we strive to protect residents as much as possible from financial burdens, it has been necessary to reshape the service and introduce this scheme, which continues to put residents first by delivering greater value for money in comparison to our neighbouring boroughs.”
Photo: Shutterstock
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