Garden Waste Permits Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the council charging for Garden Waste collection?

Following the Council's annual budget meeting for 2024/25, a decision was made to introduce a charge for the collection of garden waste within the brown bin.

The collection of garden waste is not a statutory service, and with reducing budgets and increasing costs, the Council can no longer afford to operate this type of collection as a free service.

To retain a garden waste collection service, it was therefore necessary to introduce a charge to contribute towards the cost of its provision. There is no obligation to make use of the chargeable service and residents can continue to dispose of garden waste free of charge at the Community Recycling Centres.

What is the cost of 2024/25 Garden Waste Permit?

Garden Waste permits cost £50 per annum for up to two bins per household. This cost is not reduced if a customer purchases a permit beyond 1 June 2024. All permits for the 2024/25 year will end on 31 May 2025.

What can I recycle in my brown bin?

Food waste can always be placed in the brown bin, free of charge. Once you have a garden waste permit, these items can also go in your brown bin:

• grass cuttings
• leaves and twigs
• branches and twigs (small enough to fit in the bin with the lid closed)
• hedge clippings
• Plants

Do not put these items in your brown bin:

• rubble and soil
• pet waste and bedding
• plant pots
• wood and fencing
• timber or logs
• garden furniture
• stones, gravel, or concrete (including DIY waste, such as plasterboard)

How often will my brown bin be emptied?

There will be no change to the brown bin collection day. Households will continue to receive uplifts on a fortnightly frequency. Brown bins displaying a valid garden waste permit will be emptied by the same crew and vehicle collecting food waste from households not participating in the garden waste collection service.

How many brown bins (and permits) can I have?

The £50 charge will be valid per household for up to two bins. This provides up to two permits if required to place on your bins to allow collection. As per the Recycling & Waste Services Customer Service Standards, only two brown bins can be presented per household at any one time.

When does the 2024/25 service start?

The service starts on 1 June 2024.

Collection crews will only empty brown bins containing garden waste if they display a valid garden waste permit.

Service information and permit payment system will be available online from Monday 8 April 2024.

Who can participate in the Chargeable Garden Waste Collection Service?

The Chargeable Garden Waste Collection Service will only be available to council tax rated domestic households who currently receive a brown bin service, i.e. have a scheduled collection on a brown bin collection route.

I don't currently have a brown bin, can I request one?

Yes, brown bins can be requested online through the request a bin online form at Request a Blue Bin or Brown Bin

If the brown bin is used for food waste only then a permit is not required. If you would like to participate in the Garden Waste Collection Service, please ensure you receive delivery of the brown bin before applying for your garden waste permit.

Can I participate in the Garden Waste Collection Service if I have an assisted collection?

If you are currently registered to receive an assisted collection for a brown bin and would like to participate in the garden waste service, then you will need to buy a garden waste permit.

You can continue to have an assisted collection of your brown bin for food waste only without purchasing a garden waste permit.

What happens to my brown bin if I don't opt into the service?

Should you not wish to buy a permit for the Garden Waste Collection Service, you will still be required to retain your brown bin for food waste collections at the property. The brown bin is provided by the council and should not be removed.

Households with a surplus second brown bin can request its removal online via Request the Removal of a Bin or by telephoning the Customer Service Centre on 01506 280000 (Option 3 then Option 3). These bins will either be reused or recycled, depending on their condition.

How do I apply and pay for a permit?

The annual charge per household for the collection of garden waste in 2024/25 is £50 for up to 2 bins per household. The permit will be valid from 1 June 2024 to 31 May 2025 and will be personalised to your home address and permits are available to purchase from Monday 8 April 2024. You can easily apply and pay for your permit online at Brown Bins

If you require assistance with your application, you can call the Customer Service Centre on 01506 280000 (Option 3 then Option 1) where an adviser will assist you. You will need a credit or debit card.

Can I transfer a permit to a different property if I move home?

A permit stays with the house - it can't move with you. If you're moving house within West Lothian, you'll need to purchase a new replacement permit for your new home, if your new home doesn't already have permit. If your new home already has a permit, you can use that permit.

Are there any concessions or discounts?

No discounts or concessions are available for the garden waste permit (such as to charities or means-tested households). Regardless of when the permit is purchased, the £50 annual charge will apply.

I've tried to apply for a permit, but my address is not recognised

If you've tried to apply for a permit but your address is not recognised, please first try to enter the postcode and then choose the address from the drop-down list. The system is sensitive to what is manually entered so the address may not appear exactly as you have typed it. If you continue to have problems with the address recognition, please email gardenwaste@westlothian.gov.uk. N.B. The permit details the address where the bin is used so that it is only valid when presented in this location. This prevents the bin from being stolen and used by someone else.

I have a brown bin, but the system inaccurately says that I'm not on a garden waste route

If you already have a brown bin, but the system will not allow you to buy a permit because it believes that you are not on a garden waste route, please email gardenwaste@westlothian.gov.uk or contact the Council's Customer Service Centre on 01506 280000 (Option 3 then Option 1) with details of your address. We will endeavour to update the system so that you are able to buy a garden waste permit.

I haven't received my permit and it's been more than 21 days since I ordered it

Please note, once the payment has been processed, it will take up to 21 days to print the personalised permit for your bin and then post it to your home. If it has been more than 21 days since you ordered your permit and you received the email confirmation, but you have still not received the permit through the post, please request a replacement permit via Brown Bins or telephone the Council's Customer Service Centre on 01506 280000 (Option 3 then Option 1).

How will my collection crew know I have paid for garden waste to be collected?

Once payment has been received, your permit will be posted out and needs to be attached to the back of your brown bin under the handles. Each permit will detail the property address for which the permit was purchased.

Collection crews will only empty garden waste from brown bins which display a valid garden waste permit. A permit is not required for brown bins containing only food waste.

What happens if I have paid for a permit and my brown bin collection is missed?

No refunds or part refunds will be given for missed collections.

Missed collections will be dealt with as per our Recycling and Waste Service Standards which can be found at Recycling & Waste Services Customer Service Standards

Collection errors or other conditions beyond the Council's control can result in service disruption or missed collections. The Council shall not be liable to the Customer for failure to perform the Services, however in such circumstance the Council will publicise any service disruption on its website at Bin Collection Daily Updates and will aim to return to empty your bin within the timescale advised. The householder should leave their wheeled bin out at the kerbside until the advised time and the Council with endeavour to return and empty the bin. If wheeled bins are not collected within this time, householders are advised to please return the bin(s) to their regular storage area and re-present on the next scheduled collection day for uplift, conditions permitting.

If the contents of wheeled bins are not uplifted due to waste being tightly lodged or frozen, the contents will not be collected until the next scheduled collection day. The householder must ensure that the waste is freed or dislodged before re-presenting.

Can I buy a permit at any point throughout the year?

Householders wishing to participate in the Garden Waste Collection Service from 1 June 2024 to 31 May 2025 can purchase a permit throughout this period. The one-off annual charge of which allows up to 2 bins per household, will apply regardless of when in the year the permit is purchased; all permits will expire on 31 May 2025. Please be aware that it may take up to 21 days for a permit to be delivered.

Can I cancel a permit?

Permits can be cancelled within 14 days of purchase to receive a full refund, thereafter no refunds or part refunds will be given.

To exercise the right to cancel within the 14 day period, you must inform the Council of your decision to cancel the contract by means of a clear statement made either using the online cancellation process  or by letter sent to West Lothian Council, Recycling and Waste Services, Whitehill Service Centre, 4 Inchmuir Road, Bathgate, EH48 2EP before the cancellation period has expired.

If a permit has been issued prior to the cancellation notice request being received by the Council, the householder will be liable for the reasonable costs incurred in returning the permit to the Council. In this instance, a refund will be issued upon receipt of the returned permit.

If I am on the garden maintenance service, do I still have to pay for a permit?

If you are on the garden maintenance service, the council will continue to bag all garden waste (grass and hedge cuttings) and remove these items. You will not require to purchase a permit as the council is not using your brown bin.

If you opt to use your brown bin for other garden waste such as flower beds you are maintaining yourself or have a third party maintaining, on your behalf, you will require to purchase a permit for the collection crew to empty your brown bin.

What happens to collections over the festive period?

You can view, download or print your bin collection calendars at Bin Collection Calendar Dates.

Details of any changes to the festive uplift schedule will be available in December on Household Recycling and Waste.

How do you know that the permit will not be stolen from a brown bin and used by someone else?

The permit will detail the property for which the permit has been purchased. The permit will then be attached to the appropriate brown bin by the householder.

Permits spoil when attempted to be removed, leaving "Paid 2024/25" behind on the bin, ensuring the permit cannot be used by someone else, and retaining proof that you have purchased a permit for this year's scheme

West Lothian Council Tenant FAQs

Can I pay for my permit along with my rent?

You can pay your garden waste permit in the same ways as you pay your rent, however, please do not pay using your rent account reference number. Once you have applied for a permit, Housing, Customer & Building Services will confirm that you are a West Lothian Council Tenant.  You will then receive a letter with your Garden Waste Reference Number which starts with "GW".

You can then pay for your Garden Waste Permit (using the Garden Waste Reference Number which starts with "GW") in the same way that you can pay your rent:

• Pay Online at - Pay for It
• Pay by phone- 01506 280000, Option 1
• Pay Point- Just take the Garden Waste letter showing your reference number along with your payment to your nearest outlet. You can find this at consumer.paypoint.com
• Post Office - Just take this letter along with your payment to your nearest post office.

I am a West Lothian Council Tenant and have chosen to pay for my Garden Waste Permit in instalments, how do I pay?

You can pay your garden waste permit in the same ways as you pay your rent, however, please do not pay using your rent account reference number. Once you have applied for a permit, Housing, Customer & Building Services will confirm that you are a West Lothian Council Tenant.  You will then receive a letter with your Garden Waste Reference Number which starts with "GW".

You can then pay for your Garden Waste Permit (using the Garden Waste Reference Number which starts with "GW") in the same way that you can pay your rent:

• Pay Online at - Pay for It
• Pay by phone- 01506 280000, Option 1
• Pay Point- Just take the Garden Waste letter showing your reference number along with your payment to your nearest outlet. You can find this at consumer.paypoint.com
• Post Office - Just take this letter along with your payment to your nearest post office.

I am a West Lothian Council Tenant, how often do my instalments have to be paid?

You do not have to pay your instalments for your Garden Waste Permit at weekly or monthly intervals like you do your rent. When paying in instalments, we expect that you will have paid at least £25 by 1 December 2024 and the have paid the full £50 balance by 31 May 2025. As long as these timescales are met, you are able to pay as frequently as you like.

I am a West Lothian Council Tenant and have applied to pay in instalments, but I have not received a letter yet. What do I do?

Please wait until you have your letter before paying for your permit. 

Your letter contains your Garden Waste Reference Number (starting with "GW") and you need this to make payments. If you have applied to pay in instalments and have not received a letter please let us know by contacting GWPayments@westlothian.gov.uk.

I am a West Lothian Council Tenant and chose to pay in instalments. I have now changed my mind and will pay the full balance. What can I do?

If you have already completed the application to pay in instalments- please wait until you receive the letter with your GW Reference number and then you can pay in full.

If you have not yet completed an application, please do so but continue by selecting the "I would like to make full payment now." Option.

I am a West Lothian Council Tenant and have received my payment letter, when will I get my permit?

You will receive your Garden Waste Permit within 21 days from the date on your letter.

If it has been more than 21 days since you ordered your permit and you received the email confirmation, but you have still not received the permit through the post, please request a replacement permit via the Brown Bin Webpage or telephone the Council's Customer Service Centre on 01506 280000 (Option 3 then Option 1).

What will happen to bins that contain garden waste presented without a permit?

Brown bins which contain garden waste, but which do not display a garden waste permit will not be emptied. These bins will be tagged by collection crews and the householder who has presented the bin will be required to remove the garden waste and re-present food waste only on the next scheduled collection day, to enable the bin to be emptied. Alternatively, the householder can buy a Garden Waste Permit which, once displayed on the bin, will enable it to be emptied.

How will I stop residents who have not paid for the service placing garden waste in my bin?

Householders are responsible for the waste and recycling that is contained in their bins and will be required to make arrangements to remove any contamination identified. Please store your bin securely between collections. If you know that someone is disposing of their garden waste in your bin, you are encouraged to discuss the issue directly with them.

What happens if I present my brown bin containing the wrong material?

No materials, other than those specified by the Council, will be accepted in brown-lidded wheeled recycling bins. Full details of accepted items are available on the council webpages at Brown Bins

The Council reserves the right not to empty wheeled bins that are: suspected of containing incorrect materials; of excessive weight; in a dangerous condition; or which may be detrimental to the health and safety of its staff. It shall be solely for the Council to determine if any bin meets any of the above criteria.

Where wheeled recycling bins are contaminated, the Council will attach a bin hanger to the wheeled bin which will identify that the wheeled bin has not been collected due to contamination/incorrect presentation.

Householders shall be responsible for the waste and recycling that is contained within the bins and will be required to make arrangements to remove any contamination identified. If all contamination is removed, the wheeled bin will be emptied on the next scheduled collection day.

In the event of repeated contamination of wheeled recycling bins, the Council reserves the right to withdraw the recycling service by giving immediate written notice and arranging removal of the brown bin(s). No refunds will be available for any collections missed while the service has been withdrawn.

What can I do with my garden waste if I choose not to buy a permit?

Householders can recycle garden waste at their local Recycling Centre free of charge.

Another way to dispose of garden waste is to compost at home. If your garden suits composting, and you would like to try, we have lots of information on our web pages to net you started Waste Free- Home Composting

If you pay a private contractor to undertake gardening work, you can request that they remove the garden waste. This will likely incur a cost.

Please note that fly-tipping is the illegal dumping of waste (including garden waste) and if found doing this you could be liable for fines or imprisonment. Please see the fly-tipping webpages for more information.

Will there be any increase in fly-tipping following the introduction of the permit scheme?

We have engaged with several other local authorities who have advised that they have not seen any increase in fly-tipping related to the implementation of the scheme. The service regularly monitors fly-tipping.

Can I pick up free compost from the Community Recycling Centres?

Unfortunately, you cannot collect compost from the Community Recycling Centres as we no longer receive compost back from our materials processor.

Can I have an extra grey bin so that I don't have to pay for a garden waste permit?

Unfortunately, you cannot have an extra grey bin unless you meet specific criteria. Red top or extra capacity grey bins are for those people who meet a specific criteria as set out in our Service Standards. If you meet the criteria and wish to apply for a red top/extra capacity bin please visit Household Recycling and Waste and we will arrange for you to have an assessment.