THE council's controversial garden waste recycling scheme goes live for its subscribers this month.

Last year Cheshire East Council approved the introduction of a £56 charge - the highest in the north west - for the collection of residents' green bins. 

Facing mounting financial pressure, the council green-lit the scheme in July, hoping to raise around £4 million from it.

By December, more than 33,000 households across the borough had signed up for the collections, which start the week beginning January 15.

Anyone else interested is encouraged to subscribe as soon as possible.

Councillor Mick Warren, chair of Cheshire East Council’s environment and communities committee, said: “When collections resume in January, our garden waste recycling scheme will be live and garden waste collections will become a paid-for optional service.

"So far, more than 33,000 households have signed up to the scheme and for those residents, we will continue to take their garden waste away as normal on their usual collection day.

"Residents can sign up to the annual scheme at any point in the year but will pay the same fee whether they sign up at the beginning of the year, part way through the year or only need a few collections.

"That’s why I encourage residents who’d like to continue having their garden bin emptied to subscribe as soon as possible."

By subscribing, residents may choose to continue using their garden bin to recycle food waste.

Standard subscriptions cost £56 per garden bin, per year, however there is a 25 per cent reduction in the fee available for those receiving qualifying benefits.

Once subscribed, residents will be sent a welcome pack containing their subscription sticker, which will have their address and unique subscription number on it.

Residents are urged to attach the sticker to the back of their garden bin (handle side) as soon as they receive it as garden bins without a valid sticker displaying will not be emptied.

Cllr Warren added: “Once again, I’d like to thank residents who have already subscribed to the scheme.

"Like many local authorities, Cheshire East Council is facing an extremely challenging financial environment and the introduction of our garden waste recycling scheme is a significant element in helping us to work towards presenting a balanced budget by the end of March 2024."

Residents will only pay for the scheme if they choose to opt-in and it remains free for those disposing of their garden waste at the borough’s household waste recycling centres.

Those unable to sign up online can contact the council on 0300 123 5011.