Tired of overflowing garden bins as spring cleaning beckons? Bolton residents, rejoice!
As the days get longer and the urge to get your hands dirty in the garden becomes irresistible, you might be wondering how you'll manage all that extra greenery. Well, good news for everyone in Bolton! You now have the fantastic opportunity to order an extra green bin to help manage your garden waste this spring.
This isn't entirely new; Bolton Council introduced an annual subscription service for an additional green bin last year, and it proved to be a hit with many residents. If you're someone who loves to garden or simply finds that your regular green bin fills up faster than you can say 'compost', this service is designed with you in mind.
Here's the scoop on how it works: For a subscription fee of £37.50, you can get a second 240-litre green bin. This subscription will keep you covered all the way until the end of March 2027. But wait, there's a little something extra for your first year! On top of the subscription, there's a one-off payment of £35. This covers all the initial admin, setting things up, and getting the bin delivered right to your door.
If you were one of the savvy residents who signed up last year, keep an eye on your inbox! You'll be receiving an email soon, giving you the chance to renew your subscription for another 12 months.
Let's break down the key details to make sure you're in the know:
- Fortnightly Pick-ups: Your extra garden waste bin will be collected every fortnight, on the very same day as your existing, free green bin. Easy peasy!
- Council Property: Just like your other recycling and waste containers, these extra bins remain the property of Bolton Council. Think of it as a loan for your gardening convenience.
- Identifiable: To make things clear, your extra bins will come with special stickers so they're easily recognizable.
- Green Waste Only: This service is exclusively for garden waste (green) bins. Please remember, food waste is not permitted in your extra bin.
- Delivery Times: During peak periods, especially as spring kicks into high gear, bin delivery can take between 4-6 weeks. So, if you're eager to get started, it's best to order sooner rather than later!
Councillor Richard Silvester, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, shared his enthusiasm: “Many residents took up this service last year and it’s of great value for keen gardeners and those who find they fill their green bins quickly. An extra green bin removes the need to get rid of your garden waste at the local waste and recycling centre – saving time and hassle.”
But here's where it gets interesting... While the convenience of an extra bin is undeniable, some might argue that this is a step towards 'pay-as-you-throw' for garden waste, a concept that can be divisive. Is this a smart move by the council to manage resources, or does it place an unfair burden on those who simply have larger gardens or a passion for cultivating their outdoor space?
What are your thoughts? Do you think an extra green bin is a brilliant solution for busy gardeners, or do you have reservations about the subscription model? Share your opinions in the comments below – we'd love to hear your perspective!