Highland Council has confirmed that the cost of its garden waste permit will remain unchanged at £48.95 for the 2026/27 season, marking a second consecutive year without a price increase.
The permit covers the Council’s optional fortnightly garden waste collection service and is available to households in eligible areas across the Highlands.
Permits can now be purchased online or through the Council’s Service Point network, with existing permit holders set to receive renewal reminders in the coming weeks.
The 2026/27 permit period runs from 1 September 2026 until 31 August 2027, although collections are suspended during December, January and February.
The service provides between 19 and 20 collections each season, depending on local collection schedules, which the Council says works out at around £2.50 per collection per bin.
Residents are being encouraged to apply before 1 August to ensure permits arrive before collections begin in September.
Demand for permits typically increases in the weeks leading up to the start of the new season, and the Council has warned that it cannot guarantee permits ordered after 1 August will arrive in time for the first scheduled collections.
Garden waste collections accept materials including grass cuttings, leaves and hedge trimmings, which are then recycled rather than sent for disposal.
Councillor Graham MacKenzie, Chair of Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee, said:
“The Council has chosen to freeze the permit price for the second year running to avoid placing additional financial pressure on households.
“We hope this encourages continued participation and attracts new users to the service.
“Garden waste recycling plays an important role in improving overall recycling rates.
“Materials such as grass cuttings, leaves and hedge trimmings can be effectively recycled, helping to reduce waste sent for disposal and supports environmental sustainability.
“With the Council being under significant financial pressure, I am really pleased that we are able to offer garden waste permits at a cost effective price for householders along with providing a convenient, environmentally friendly, easy to use service.”
The Council says the price freeze aims to support residents facing ongoing cost of living pressures while continuing to encourage recycling and reduce waste across the region.
Garden waste permits can be purchased online at www.highland.gov.uk/gardenwaste or by visiting a Council Service Point.
