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• Why has the price changed?

  We have made the difficult decision to raise the price of the service from £50 to £55 a year. This reflects the increasing cost of providing the service. Like many other councils, limited funding means we face a challenging financial situation.

  However, the charge is still one of the cheapest in Hertfordshire. We offer a reduced rate of £36 for those receiving Council Tax Support.

• How do you know that I have subscribed?

  We no longer issue garden waste stickers. Instead, our in-cab system will identify which properties have subscriptions.

  This means your garden waste collections can start without delay after you subscribe.

  To help our crews identify your bin, please make sure your house number (or house name) is clearly visible on it.

• What can I use to identify my bin?

  Here are some easy ways to add your house number or house name to your bin:

  • Stick-on numbers: Buy waterproof adhesive numbers, available from shops or online. Stick them securely to a clean, dry surface on the bin.
  • Stick-on names: Buy personalised, waterproof, adhesive house names online.
  • Paint: Use outdoor paint or spray paint designed for plastics. A stencil can help you create a neat number or name.
  • Permanent marker: Write your house number or house name on the bin using a weather-resistant permanent marker.
  • Duct tape: Create a number using brightly coloured duct tape that contrasts with the bin's colour.
  • Previous garden waste subscription sticker: If last year's sticker is still intact and the house number or house name is visible, you can use this. Make sure the bin is placed with the sticker facing the road, so the crew can easily see it. If the sticker becomes unreadable, you’ll need to replace it yourself.

  Whichever way you choose to mark your bin, please make sure the number or name is:

  • large
  • clear
  • placed where collection crews can easily see it.
• Will you cover the cost of identifying bins?

  No, we will not cover the cost of numbering or naming bins.

  Last year, identification stickers were included in the price. This year, however, any numbering or labelling of bins is the responsibility of the property owner.

• If I sign up after collections have begun, how much do I pay?

  The annual fee will remain the same throughout the year. We encourage you to sign up to the service as early as possible to ensure that you receive best value for money. 

• What happens if I cannot afford the charge?

  A reduced rate of £36 is available for those receiving Council Tax Support. This does not include the Single Person Discount. Alternatively, you can compost your waste at home or take it to your local recycling centre.

• Can I have a refund if I cancel the subscription during the year?

  No, if you decide to cancel the service (for example, if you move out of the borough) during the year, we are unable to offer a refund.

• If I subscribe, when does my service start?

  We will collect your green-lidded bin on your next scheduled collection day after you subscribe.

  If you need a new or additional green-lidded bin, delivery may take up to 10 working days. Delivery of new or additional bins may be affected by matters outside our control, such as weather and stock availability.

• I currently have a garden waste sack collection. Can I still subscribe?

  If you currently use sacks, please email recycle@dacorum.gov.uk before buying your subscription. Only homes we assess as not having space for a green-lidded bin will be eligible for sack collection.

• I don’t want my green-lidded bin. How do I arrange for it to be removed?

  If you ask for your green-lidded bin to be removed, then later decide to subscribe and need a new bin, there will be a charge to provide a new green-lidded bin.

  If you still wish for your green-lidded bin to be removed, please email recycle@dacorum.gov.uk.

  We collect unwanted green-lidded bins in groups. This may mean it will take longer than 10 working days for us to remove your bin.

• Can I share a bin with a neighbour?

  Yes. This is a great way to keep costs down. You will need to decide which neighbour will pay for the service and ensure that the bin is stored on their property ready for collection.

  It is the responsibility of individuals to split the costs between them. We will not get involved in any disputes from neighbours who decide to share a bin.

• Can I have more than one green-lidded bin?

  Yes, you can have an unlimited number of extra green-lidded bins for each household. Each bin will be charged at the same rate.

  You can order and pay for this through the same link as the subscription service.

• Will you collect additional garden waste that won't fit into the green-lidded bin?

  No. We will only collect what is stored within the bins. They should not be overfilled. If they are too heavy to be lifted or moved safely, then we will not collect them. You will then be responsible for ensuring your bin is suitable for the next collection. We will not return until the next scheduled collection.

  If you frequently have excess garden waste, you may wish to buy an additional green-lidded bin, or a home composter.

• I live in a block of flats that has a managing agent, can I sign up or does it have to be the landlord / managing agent?

  The subscription is related to the property, so we would encourage the landlord / managing agent to sign up.

• If my green-lidded bin is missed, do I get a refund?

  No. If your green-lidded bin is not collected because it fails to meet the standards set out in our terms and conditions - such as contamination with the wrong materials or being too heavy - then you will need to resolve the issue before the next scheduled collection.

  If the bin is missed accidentally, then it must be reported to us within 48 hours and we will aim to collect it within five working days. 

  If we can't collect your bin due to circumstances beyond our control (for example, severe weather), please leave it out and we will do our best to collect where possible.