We are changing the way we collect your rubbish

In the last year, in Bolton we collected and recycled over 12,261 tonnes of green waste.

Bolton Council provides a fortnightly collection of garden waste to over 60,000 households for the collection of:

  • Branches & Twigs
  • Flowers
  • Grass Cuttings
  • Leaves
  • Plants
  • Prunings
  • Weeds

You can order a green bin for your garden waste either online via www.bolton.gov.uk/doitonline or by calling 01204 336633.

When is my green bin collected?

Your green bin is collected the on the same day as all your other recycling containers such as your burgundy bin. If you don't know when this is then you can check which collection week you are on through the website and then download the right calendar, either a blue week calendar or a yellow week calendar.

What happens to our garden waste?

Garden waste is taken to Bury where it is shredded and arranged into windrows (large toblerone shaped heaps about 3m high and 10m long). The heaps are turned regularly to allow aerobic digestion, and after 12 to16 weeks the compost is ready. It is then screened to remove large particles (which are put through the process again) and used on farmland as a slow release fertilizer.

General fact about garden waste

Grass cycling is an excellent way of recycling grass cuttings after mowing the lawn. Simply leave the cuttings on the ground instead of throwing them away, they will turn into nutrients and act as a fertiliser in the soil. 

Home composting 

The green bin service is convenient and enables people to contribute to composting without needing a home composter. However, home composters are great for your garden and help to improve the quality of the soil, helping your garden grow. 

For more information please visit: