Stockport council has clarified which items can be recycled in green bins after introducing a charge for garden waste collections.

Residents in the borough now have to pay £59 for a permit for council crews to collect garden waste from their green bin.

The cost is based on a full year, from March 31, 2025 to March 31, 2026, and can be bought at any time, with a discount available for those getting council tax support.

Those without a permit cannot use their green bin to recycle garden waste.

But food waste can still be put in green bins for collection each week, without the need for a permit.

The move to charge for garden waste collections was approved at the council's budget meeting in February.

But it has caused controversy, with more than 4,000 people signing a public petition on the council's website against the fee.

Stockport council's deputy leader, Mark Roberts, said in April that the charge will bring in around £2m and help support key services such as keeping the borough's libraries and leisure centres open, as its finances are stretched thinner each year.

"We take zero pleasure in making decisions such as this and we are aware that many residents feel strongly about this charge," he added.

"The alternative path that the council would have to go down is far more unpalatable to our residents and would put our borough at serious financial risk."

The council had to find £26m of savings in its latest budget, on top of £12m the previous year, and £10m before that.

More than 53,000 garden waste permits have been sold in Stockport so far – proving that numbers of residents are getting behind the scheme.

A council spokesperson said: "Thank you to everyone who's adapted to the changes in our garden waste service – and to our teams and hardworking crews for helping roll out the new system.

"Over 53,000 households have so far purchased a permit, and most are being sent out within three working days.

"For residents that choose not to purchase a permit, some items in addition to food waste, can still go in your green bin – like a bunch of cut flowers, including those bought in shops or small animal bedding."

The council's website confirmed all the items which can be recycled in green bins in Stockport.

(Image - Stockport Council)

Food waste (no permit needed):

• Fruit or vegetable peelings
• Bread and cakes
• Tea bags and coffee grounds
• Scrapings from your plate
• Eggs and dairy products for example cheese
• Meat including bones
• Fish

Other waste (no permit needed):

• A large bunch of cut flowers
• Small pet bedding for example straw and sawdust

Garden waste (only for those with a permit):

• Grass cuttings
• Leaves and twigs
• Branches and twigs small enough to fit in the bin with the lid closed
• Hedge clippings
• Plants

What cannot go in green bins:

• Branches larger than 10cm or 4 inches in diameter, or thicker than your wrist
• Rubble and soil
• Cat litter or dog waste
• Plant pots
• Wood and fencing
• Timber or logs
• Garden furniture
• Stones, gravel, or concrete including DIY waste, such as plasterboard

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