Frustrated residents say they are planning to “stick with the tip” after all but two Kent councils hiked the price of their garden waste service.
Eleven authorities have increased the cost of the optional ‘brown bin’ service for the new financial year, which sees people pay a rolling annual subscription for a fortnightly collection.
The garden waste bin collection rates in Kent for 2026 to 2027
Medway Council is still offering the collection free of charge on a weekly basis, while Swale Borough Council (SBC) has maintained its £62 figure – although is now charging a new £10 fee for new users.
However, the charges have risen by an average of £3.15 across the 11 other areas, with Thanet remaining the most expensive at £73, followed by Tunbridge and Wells at £70.
Those living in Canterbury have seen the biggest jump from £58.92 to £65.
Thanet resident Damarall Werrey-Easterbrook, 46, from St Peter’s, Broadstairs, says she previously used the service but thinks it is now too costly.
“We stopped it a couple of years ago because of the price and have thought about buying it again,” she said.
Damarall Werrey-Easterbrook, from St Peter’s, Broadstairs, says she will continue to use the tip
The cost of garden waste collections are increasing in Kent
“But now it’s £73 every year and that’s a lot of money, so we’re just going to stick with the tip which is free.
“We go three or four times a month and most of that is garden waste.
“It’s only about 10 minutes away, so I don’t think we’re losing any money on fuel by not buying one again when it’s costing us almost £120.”
Thanet is one of seven councils – along with Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Maidstone, Swale – that also charges people for both the collection service and the bin itself.
Those in the Dartford borough are charged the most for a bin at £56, which, along with its £53 subscription cost, means a new user will have to pay £109 for the service.
Suez workers collecting garden waste in Ashford
Every authority provides 240-litre bins, except for Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) which offers 180 litres.
Whitstable’s Imogen Tinkler, 43, saw her bin stolen last year and says she has no intention of subscribing now.
She said: “Charging more for brown bins just creates a two‑tier system; some people will pay because they can, but others will put garden waste in their normal rubbish and cover it with other stuff, or be tempted to fly‑tip.
“I won’t be paying for the brown bin. My last one went missing and I already compost at home, then take the rest to the tip when I need to.”
When asked why it has hiked its fees, a CCC spokesman said it “recognises the price has risen this year”.
Whitstable resident Imogen Tinkler is not planning to use the service again
“Our garden waste subscription service offers excellent value for money, at a cost of just £2.70 per collection for those people who signed up at the very start of the subscription year,” they said.
“People love the convenience of having their garden waste taken by our crews, negating the need to organise those regular trips to the tip. And this year we have added in an extra collection to the schedule as well.
“Our residents obviously agree with us on these points, given that the number of subscribers has increased by 728 across the first eight weeks of the sign-up period this year compared to the same period last year.
“Ultimately it is for local people to decide whether it’s a service they want to take advantage of.
“With almost 22,000 subscribers this year so far, it would seem many, many do.”
Romney Marsh resident Amanda Farrant, 59, who lives on the edge of Newchurch, says she believes composting is the way forward.
Amanda Farrant lives on the edge of Newchurch, Romney Marsh, and believes composting is better for the environment and more cost-effective
She would have to pay £63.90 per year if she wanted to use the service provided by FHDC.
“I don’t have a garden waste bin anymore because I do that instead,” she said.
“That makes me not want to get a brown bin from the practicality side of things, but the costs are a factor too.
“If I wanted to have a brown bin it would now be just over £100, although I suppose it would still probably last a long time.
“Would I get the service if it were £10 though? Yes, probably.
“I do think it’s a lot of money just to get rid of garden waste…”
“If you live in a village or a town when the binmen come round anyway then you shouldn’t be paying a lot.
“But if you live in the middle of nowhere like I do I would expect to pay more as it’s further to come.”
Elsewhere, Kayleigh Hilbert, of Newington, Sittingbourne, say it is “cheeky” SBC is now charging residents £10 for a new bin.
“We moved here from Medway where it was free, but haven’t paid for one since,” Mrs Hilbert said.
“Paying £62 does put us off. I think £30 a month is a good amount to pay, but it should be in our council tax anyway so I don’t understand why the prices keep going up.
“I do think it’s a lot of money just to get rid of garden waste.”
Sittingbourne resident Kayleigh Hilbert says she is not planning to use the service
In response, an SBC spokesman said its charge “remains one of the lowest subscription prices in Kent”.
“We froze the price this year as we understand that many of our residents value the service,” they said.
“The price works out to less than £2.50 per collection, saving you the time, heavy lifting, dirt in your car and fuel needed for a trip to the tip, as we come to your home to collect your garden waste.
“However, there are other options such as composting garden cuttings at home or dropping it off at your local household recycling centres, as garden waste cannot be placed in the general refuse bins.
“The small fee for a new brown bin is in place to make sure we are delivering them only when necessary, making the service more cost effective and environmentally friendly.”
KentOnline approached Thanet District Council for comment.