Elderly and Disabled Residents Fear Hardship Over Proposed Garden Waste Charge

A proposed £70 annual charge for garden waste collection in Hillingdon has sparked concern among elderly and disabled residents, who fear they will struggle to afford the fee or dispose of waste themselves.

Lisa Ford, Harefield resident says the charges would be unsuitable for people like her

The council is consulting on the introduction of the charge for the 2025/26 financial year, arguing that it would ensure only those using the service pay for it, rather than all taxpayers. Officials claim the proposal would still offer better value than neighbouring boroughs, with weekly collections in peak seasons and greater capacity for waste.

However, the plan has drawn criticism from vulnerable residents who say they cannot manage the additional cost or transport garden waste to the borough’s free disposal sites.

A proposed £70 annual charge for garden waste collection in Hillingdon has sparked concern among elderly and disabled residents, who fear they will struggle to afford the fee or dispose of waste themselves.

The proposal, set for the 2025/26 financial year, would require residents to pay £70 annually for garden waste collection. The council argues that the charge would ensure only those using the service bear the cost, rather than all taxpayers. Officials also claim the scheme would offer better value than similar services in neighbouring boroughs, providing weekly collections during peak seasons and accommodating more waste per household.

However, the plan has drawn criticism from vulnerable residents who say they cannot manage the additional cost or transport garden waste to the borough’s free disposal sites.

Anne Burnes, 75, from Ruislip, said the charge would push her further into financial hardship. “I’m already struggling to afford heating and food, and now I’ll have to find £70 for rubbish? I can’t afford it. I’m disabled and can’t travel to the dump – this will just lead to more fly-tipping, which will cost even more in the long run.”

Lisa Ford, a Harefield resident, echoed these concerns, highlighting the impact on those without transport. “I can’t afford the £70, and since I don’t drive, I’d have to rely on others to help me take my garden waste to the dump. It’s just not practical for me or many others in my situation.”

Meanwhile, some residents welcome the move, particularly those without gardens who currently contribute towards the cost of collections.

Sala Marshall, who lives in a top-floor flat in Hayes, said: “I don’t have a garden, so I’m delighted to know I won’t be paying for something I don’t use. It’s only fair that those who generate the waste cover the cost.”

The consultation is open until Monday, 31 March, with a final decision expected in the spring. Residents can submit their views at: https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/garden-waste-consultation.

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Meanwhile, some residents welcome the move, particularly those without gardens who currently contribute towards the cost of collections.

Sala Marshall, who lives in a top-floor flat in Hayes, said: “I don’t have a garden, so I’m delighted to know I won’t be paying for something I don’t use. It’s only fair that those who generate the waste cover the cost.”

The consultation is open until Monday, 31 March, with a final decision expected in the spring. Residents can submit their views at: https://www.hillingdon.gov.uk/garden-waste-consultation.