Presentation as Rotherham Council rolls out 40,000th garden waste bin

L-R: Cllr Emma Hoddinott, Vicky and David Stoneman, Martin Raper RMBC service manager and waste operative Chris Sheppard. Front Sarah and Madeleine Stoneman.

Madeleine Stoneman (7) and sister Sarah (5) were delighted with RMBC’s surprise after parents David and Vicky signed up to the £39-a-year garden waste service.

David, of North Anston, said he had been persuaded by his in-laws that a brown bin would be easier than multiple trips to the tip.

“Now I can spend more time in the garden with the children who have been inspired to grow vegetables,” he added.

“It’s kinder to the environment too, as I’m not using my car to run to the tip.”

Daughter Madeleine could not wait to plant the roses. “I’ve already grown my own carrots and spring onions, with my dad’s help,” the youngster said.

The number of brown bin orders has exceeded Rotherham Borough Council’s expectations.

Cllr Emma Hoddinott, cabinet member for waste, said: “It was great to meet Mr and Mrs Stoneman and their family to present them with the 40,000th brown bin.

“It’s a significant milestone for the service which is less than a year old.”

The council collects more than 13,000 tonnes a year of garden waste, which is shredded, composted and mixed with bio-solids from the Aldwarke water treatment works for use in agriculture.