Highland Council has confirmed that the cost of garden waste bin permits will stay frozen for the 2025 to 2026 season.
The permit will remain at £48.95, matching last year’s price.
The decision comes as many households continue to face rising living costs.
Councillor Graham MacKenzie, Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, said the freeze is designed to support families while still promoting vital recycling efforts.
“Although our service costs have gone up, the Council has agreed to freeze the price of the garden waste permit at £48.95 this year, in light of ongoing financial pressures faced by many households,” he said.
He added that keeping the price steady means the Council can avoid passing additional costs on to customers.
The garden waste service provides between 19 and 20 collections across the season, depending on collection days.
This works out at roughly £2.50 per collection.
Permits are available now online and at the Council’s Service Point network.
Existing customers will receive renewal reminders shortly.
New customers living in designated collection areas can check their eligibility on the Council’s website.
Councillor MacKenzie encouraged more people to consider the environmental benefits of recycling garden waste.
“Recycling garden waste like grass cuttings, leaves, branches, hedge trimmings and flowers plays a key role in our overall recycling efforts here in Highland,” he said.
He reminded residents that garden waste is just as important as recycling paper, cardboard, cans and plastics.
Garden waste can be composted at home, taken to Household Waste Recycling Centres, or collected through the permit service.
Every bit diverted from non-recyclable bins helps lower carbon emissions and supports a more sustainable Highland.
The new permit season will begin on Monday 1 September 2025 and run until 31 August 2026.
There will be a scheduled winter break in December, January and February.
Due to high demand, householders are encouraged to apply by 1 August to ensure they receive their permits in time.
Permits ordered after 1 August may not arrive before the first collections.
The service remains optional, with free disposal also available at local Household Waste Recycling Centres.
More information is available at www.highland.gov.uk/gardenwaste or by emailing recycle@highland.gov.uk.
