Garden waste

What you can put in your garden bin, preparing your garden waste for collection, garden waste collection changes and subscribing for extra garden waste bin collection.

What we can and can't collect

What we can collect:

  • leaves
  • hedge cuttings
  • dead flowers
  • weeds
  • prunings
  • grass cuttings
  • Christmas trees- remove all decorations  and ensure they are cut small enough to fit into the bin with the lid closed
  • twigs and small branches

You should consider composting your peelings in a compost bin.

What we do not collect:

  • soil, stones or rubble
  • food waste - including any fruit and vegetables
  • glass and metal
  • plastic, paper or card
  • dog waste and cat litter
  • nappies
  • general household waste
  • plant pots
  • animal faeces and bedding

Preparing your garden waste for collection

Shake as much soil off as possible. If the bin is too heavy it may break and end up in the back of the lorry.

Don't bag up the waste. Any plastic will contaminate it.

You should:

  • make sure the bin lid is closed
  • not compact the bin
  • make sure the bin is not heavy
  • shake off as much soil as possible
  • not bag your waste - any plastic will contaminate it

Garden waste collection changes (all areas of Cumberland)

From 31 March 2025, if you have a garden waste bin, you will get one bin collected every fortnight as normal but any additional bin will have a yearly £40 collection charge. 

Subscribe for extra garden waste bin collection

Collections will be every two weeks between March and November.

Other ways to dispose on your garden waste

You can take it to our Household Waste Recycling Centres or choose to home compost your garden and food wast by buying a composter and food digesters.