Garden waste permits are on sale now ahead of the start of the brown bin collections resuming in March.

Inverclyde residents can purchase online via the council website from today (Monday 30 January 2023).

Permits cost £40 for each brown bin.

Collections will take place at the same time as the blue bin household recycling collection starting the week beginning 13 or 20 March, depending on residents’ regular recycling collection day.

Brown bins will be emptied through until November. Around 11,000 permits are purchased each year.

Councillor Michael McCormick, Inverclyde Council’s convener of environment and regeneration, said: “As we look forward to brighter nights and milder weather, our attentions start to turn towards our gardens and preparing them for the spring and summer months after a period of hibernation during the winter.

“Garden permits cost the same no matter what time of year people buy them so it makes sense to purchase one as soon as possible to ensure permit-holders can get the maximum benefit from March through until November when brown bins are collected.

“We have a good track record of recycling in Inverclyde and that includes garden waste materials and things like grass, hedge trimmings, weeds, and shrub cuttings, which can be put in brown bins and will be turned into compost.”

A permit is required for each brown bin presented containing garden waste. Bins without a valid 2023 permit will not be emptied.

The £40 charge applies regardless of at what point in the year the permit is purchased.

Customers are asked to present their brown bin by 7am on their regular recycling collection day during the garden waste collection season.

To buy a permit and for more information, including a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section, visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/garden-waste or call the Garden Waste Helpline on 01475 714555.