Since launching in March 2024, the kerbside garden waste collection has made it easier than ever for households to recycle grass clippings, leaves, and other garden waste. Over the past 6 months, the council collected an impressive 960.14 tonnes of garden waste directly from the kerbside. This marks a significant shift in how garden waste is managed locally, with 746.84 tonnes more garden waste collected overall between March and August 2025 compared to the same period last year.
While there was a reduction of 213.3 tonnes collected at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs), the increase in kerbside collections shows that more residents are taking advantage of the convenient service right at their doorstep.
The environmental benefits are clear too. By using the Zero Waste Scotland Carbon Calculator, it’s estimated that the service has saved 37.37 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent – helping to cut emissions and support the council’s commitment to a greener Dumfries and Galloway.
Have Your Say: Public Feedback Survey Now Open
As we look ahead to the next season, Dumfries and Galloway Council wants to hear from you. Whether you used the Garden Waste Collection Service this year or not, your views are important in shaping the future of the service. A public feedback survey is now open to gather opinions from all residents – both users and non-users. Your feedback will help us understand what worked well, what could be improved, and how we can make the service even better for everyone.
Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Andy Ferguson, said:
“One year on from launching, it’s fantastic to see so many residents making use of our kerbside garden waste collection service. The increase in garden waste collected and the positive environmental impact show that small changes can make a big difference. I encourage everyone to take part in our feedback survey and to apply early for next years’ service.”
Applications for 2026 Coming Soon
Although the 2025 collections will continue to 30 November, applications for next year’s Garden Waste Collection Service will open this November. The permit remains at £40 per bin, providing regular fortnightly collections from March to November 2025. By applying early, you’ll ensure your collections start from the beginning of the season – giving you the best value and helping us plan effectively.
Vice-Chair of the committee, Councillor Tony Berretti, added:
“By signing up, you’re helping to keep garden waste out of general waste bins, ensuring it can be properly composted and recycled. This reduces contamination, supports the production of peat-free compost, and helps the region move towards a more sustainable, circular economy.”
The service was supported by a £2.33 million capital grant from the Recycling Improvement Fund, administered by Zero Waste Scotland on behalf of the Scottish Government. This funding has enabled the purchase of new collection vehicles, garden waste bins, and the installation of garden waste bays at key waste transfer stations.
Find Out More
For more information on the Garden Waste Collection Service, to apply for your permit, or to take part in the public feedback survey, visit: https://www.dumfriesandgalloway.gov.uk/bins-recycling