Ealing Council has decided to start charging for its garden waste collection service.

On Tuesday Ealing Council decided to return to a chargeable garden waste collection service for residents in the borough.

From April 2012, the fortnightly service will be available for an annual subscription of £40, with a 25% discount for over 65s and those in receipt of means-tested benefits.

Under the new scheme, residents will be provided with either reusable hessian bags, a wheeled bin or 50 biodegradable sacks. The green waste collected from homes will be then be composted.

For those who do not wish to sign up for the service Ealing Council is also making it easier for residents to compost at home. The council is currently offering a reduced price on its home compost bins with a starting price of £15.

Garden waste can still be disposed of for free at the borough’s two re-use and recycle centres in Stirling Road, Acton and Greenford Road, Greenford. The centres are open Mon-Sun, 8am–5pm (between 1 April-30 September) and 8am–4pm (between 1 October-31 March).

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz admitted that this will lead to a one per cent drop in recycling and does not believe it will lead to increased fly tipping.

Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for Environment and Customer Services, said: "The council must find £85million of savings over the next four years and every service has to contribute."

"Considering all of the options available we decided that this had less of an impact than the alternatives and enables us to continue to deliver a weekly collection of household waste, recycling and food waste."

"Residents who do not wish to subscribe can dispose of garden waste for free at our re-use and recycle centres."

"I would also encourage everyone who can, to recycle at home by composting. This is the most environmentally friendly option because it requires no movement of waste and the compost produced can be used in your garden to promote healthy plant growth."