Clip & Collect Garden Waste Service Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I sign up for, or renew the service?
You can subscribe or renew online using the Garden Waste Portal, by calling 01329 236100
, or by emailing clipandcollect@fareham.gov.uk.
How much does the service cost?
2025/26 Charges are:
- £44 for a new 240-litre brown-lidded garden waste bin (one-off charge)
- £73 annual subscription fee (or £62 annual subscription fee for existing customers with a 140-litre garden waste bin)
How do I pay?
You can pay online or over the phone.
For added convenience, you can also set up an annual recurring payment through the Garden Waste Portal, meaning your subscription will renew automatically each year unless you choose to cancel. We will contact you in advance to let you know when your renewal payment is due to be taken.
Why is there a charge for garden waste?
Garden waste collection is an optional subscription service. Unlike household waste and recycling collections, which councils are legally required to provide, councils are permitted to charge for the collection of garden waste.
By charging only those households who choose to use the service, we can continue to offer regular garden waste collections without increasing costs for residents who do not require the service. This means customers who use the service contribute directly to its running costs, helping us keep the service sustainable whilst continuing to provide an environmentally friendly way of disposing of garden waste.
When will my bin be delivered?
Your subscription starts as soon as payment is made; however, collections cannot begin until your bin has been delivered.
Delivery usually takes approximately 10 working days, however demand for the service is highest during the spring and summer months, when many residents choose to subscribe. As a result, delivery of new bins at this time can take up to 4 weeks.
Can I share a bin?
Yes. You are welcome to share a garden waste bin with a neighbour if you would like to share the cost of the service. The subscription must be registered in one person's name, who will be responsible for managing the subscription and any renewal payments.
Before sharing a bin, we recommend agreeing how the bin will be used and where it will be stored to ensure it remains convenient for everyone involved.
Can I have more than one bin?
Yes. If you regularly produce a large amount of garden waste, you can subscribe to up to 5 garden waste bins at your property.
A separate annual subscription fee applies to each bin, and each bin will be emptied as part of your fortnightly garden waste collection service.
If you're unsure how many bins you need, you can start with one and order additional bins later if required.
Can I have a garden waste collection if I live in a flat?
Yes, you may be able to subscribe to the service if you live in a flat and have your own garden. To be eligible, your property must receive wheeled bin collections from the Council and you must have somewhere suitable to store your garden waste bin between collections.
If your flat has communal waste facilities, you will still need a location where the garden waste bin can be safely stored. Unfortunately, if there is no suitable storage space available, we will not be able to provide the service.
If you're unsure whether your property is eligible, please contact us and we'll be happy to help.
Can I have an assisted collection?
Yes. If you already receive an assisted collection for your household waste and recycling bins, this will automatically be applied to your garden waste collection as well.
Our crews will collect your garden waste bin from the agreed collection point and return it once it has been emptied, so you do not need to move the bin yourself.
An assisted collection is available for residents who are unable to present their bins at the edge of the highway due to age, disability or a long-term health condition, and who have nobody else living at the property who can help. If you think you may be eligible for an assisted collection but do not currently receive one, please contact us and we'll be happy to discuss your circumstances and explain how to apply.
What happens to my garden waste?
Your garden waste is given a new purpose rather than being thrown away. Once collected, it is taken to a specialist composting facility where it is turned into a high-quality soil conditioner called Pro-Grow, which can be used to improve soil and support healthy plant growth. Pro-Grow is available to purchase from Household Waste Recycling Centres.
To ensure the composting process works effectively and meets environmental regulations, our garden waste service can only accept garden waste. Unfortunately, fruit and vegetable peelings, food scraps and other kitchen waste cannot be placed in your garden waste bin.
If you would like to compost uncooked kitchen waste at home, you may wish to consider using a home compost bin, which is a great way to recycle food and garden waste while producing your own compost.
What can I put in my garden waste bin?
You can place the following items in your garden waste bin:
- Grass cuttings
- Hedge clippings
- Leaves and flowers
- Small plants
- Twigs and branches (smaller than 75mm)
- Bark and small amounts of fallen fruit
Garden waste should be placed loose in the bin, not in bags.
What can't I put in my garden waste bin?
We will not collect any garden waste bins with:
- Large branches (75mm in diameter or larger)
- Soil, earth or compost
- Stones or gravel
- Plastic plant pots
- Food waste
- Ash
- Compostable bags
- Japanese knotweed
Bins containing incorrect items will not be emptied.
What happens if I move house?
If you're moving within Fareham Borough, please take your garden waste bin with you and let us know your new address so we can update your subscription details and collection records.
If you're moving outside Fareham Borough, please contact us to cancel your subscription. As the service is paid for in advance and provided on an annual basis, refunds are not available.
Can I cancel my subscription?
If you no longer wish to use the service, you can cancel your subscription at any time by contacting us. Your brown-lidded garden waste bin will remain your property and can be retained for future use.
Please note that refunds are not available for any unused portion of the subscription period.
