Garden waste charges to rise for new customers in Rotherham after bin row
GARDEN waste collection charges in Rotherham are set to rise next year, despite ongoing controversy over missed bin collections that sparked anger among residents and councillors.
The council has approved new fees for the 2026–27 garden waste subscription, with new customers paying £53 for their first bin and £43 for a second, a 7.5 per cent increase to cover rising operational costs.
However, households who subscribed during the disrupted 2025–26 service and choose to renew will have their prices frozen at this year’s rates of £49 for a first bin and £40 for a second.
The decision, signed off by senior officers on December 17, follows months of criticism after brown bin collections were suspended over the summer due to staff shortages, with four collections missed during the year.
As part of a goodwill gesture, existing subscribers will be offered either a £10 discount per bin on renewal or a £10 refund if they choose not to continue with the service. Refunds will be available from March 2026, but customers opting for a refund will have their bins removed and would need to reapply as new customers in future.
Discounts for Rothercard holders will also increase to 15 per cent, with eligible new customers paying £45.05 for one bin.
The move comes after councillors last month rejected calls to waive next year’s garden waste fees entirely. During a heated debate, the compensation on offer was branded “inadequate and insulting” by opposition councillors, while Labour members said scrapping charges altogether would be financially unsustainable.
Council officers said the partial freeze reflected the disruption residents experienced, while ensuring the service remains viable amid rising costs.
Subscriptions for the 2026–27 service are expected to open later this month.