Slough Borough Council

What is the garden waste collection scheme and how do I register?

The garden waste scheme is a free service to collect and compost Slough residents' garden waste. Residents need to register to take part and will then be allocated a green bin for garden waste only.

New green bins are being issued in autumn 2007.  If you wish to leave your name and address please call 01753 875255 or email greenwaste@slough.gov.uk.

Garden waste can also be recycled at Chalvey Waste and Recycling Centre, White Hart Road, Chalvey.

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How will green bin collection day changes from September 2008 affect me?

Collection days will change for all green bins from September 2008. This only affects green bins – your refuse and recycling day will not change. 

New collection calendars will be available in late August. The collection days will be available on this website and each green waste scheme member will receive a new calendar through the post.

All bins should be out from 7am on the correct collection day. All bins should be taken in as soon as possible after collection.

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What can I put in the green garden waste bin?

Garden waste only:

• Grass and hedge cuttings
• Small plants and shrubs
• Small branches
• Twigs and bark
• Leaves and weeds
• Flowers

Do not include kitchen and food waste, rubble and soil, large branches, logs and stumps, pet waste, plastics (including bags and pots) or any other refuse.

Do not overload your bin. We are unable to collect overloaded and contaminated bins.  In this instance you will be responsible for disposal.

Please do not put any carrier bags or bin liners in your green bin – we cannot collect any bagged material.  Place your garden waste directly inside the green bin.

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Why can’t kitchen waste or food be put in the green bin?

Kitchen waste must not go in the green bin due to strict rules surrounding the composting process we use.  If you wish to recycle kitchen waste please consider purchasing a discount home composter.

Home composting scheme

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What If I have a lot of garden waste?

We can only collect garden waste placed inside the green bin. Please take any additional garden waste, including large branches and stumps, to Chalvey Waste and Recycling Centre, White Hart Road, off Spackmans Way.

You may also wish to consider purchasing a home composter to compliment your green bin.

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I have no space for a green bin. Can I still join the garden waste scheme?

We may be able to provide smaller green bins to those households with little space. Please consider carefully whether this will be big enough for all your garden waste. Don't forget to let us know that you may need a smaller bin when you register.

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Can I take my green bin with me if I move house within Slough?

Unfortunately, green bins cannot be transferred between properties.  If you are moving to another property in Slough please contact us to register the new property.  You will then be advised as to the timing of the next green bin roll out.

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Can I still use biodegradable bags with my green bin?

Biodegradable bags are no longer available or necessary for those residents using the green bin scheme.  Please place your garden waste directly into the green bin.

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What are the rules of the scheme?

• All garden waste must be placed inside the green bin.  Additional garden waste should be taken to Chalvey Waste and Recycling Centre.
• Green bins should not be overfilled or filled with incorrect materials. In this instance you will be responsible for disposal.
• Only registered households can use the scheme – please contact us if you wish to register.
• Only household garden waste allowed. No other materials can be collected, and no trade garden waste.
• Green bins should be put out with refuse and recycling bins from 7am on the correct collection week.  Bins should be taken in as soon as possible after collection.

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What are the benefits of collecting greenwaste?

• The greenwaste collected from our homes in Slough is recycled into compost for use on local farms.  This recycled compost can be used instead of peat compost, saving our natural peat habitats.
• At landfill sites rubbish is dumped together and the organic waste decomposes without air. This produces methane, a powerful greenhouse gas contributing to climate change.  Controlled composting significantly reduces production of methane gas.
• Composting green waste will cut landfill costs for Slough residents! As we run out of space in landfill it will become increasingly expensive for us all, so we need to recycle and compost as much as possible.
• Collecting green waste will reduce dumping, which can encourage weeds and pests.
• Collecting green waste gives an alternative to bonfires, which are a nuisance and health risk.

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