Green Bin Subscriptions Drop Across Harborough

The number of households using Harborough’s garden waste collection scheme has dropped by over 2,500 in a year.

Opposition councillors blame the £15 increase in subscribing to the green bin service for the reduction – although District Council bosses say it had no option but to put up the cost.

Just over 16,500 people have signed up to the service so far this year.

Phil Knowles heads up the opposition Liberal Democrat group:

Pic: Andy Carpenter

Despite the reduction in subscriptions, the Council is still making more money this year from the service, because of the price increase.

Cllr Jonathan Bateman, Harborough District Council’s Cabinet lead for environmental services, said: “We are continuing to receive requests for green bin subscriptions as we move into summer when garden growth is high.

“We did also budget for reduced numbers this year following the price increase and Covid recovery; however we would say that those who use our garden waste collection do find it convenient and preferable to taking waste to the tip themselves.

“Some people may have composted garden waste, as an alternative to signing up, which is also beneficial for the environment.

“Unfortunately, we had no option but to increase the fees to cover increased expenditure and to ensure the costs were not passed on to taxpayers who didn’t use the optional scheme, and we maintain that the cost of this excellent fortnightly service remains very good value.”