Households in Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire pay some of the highest charges in Scotland for having their garden waste collected, according to new research. Out of Scotland’s 32 councils, East Renfrewshire ranks fourth most expensive, while Renfrewshire is joint sixth.
Figures compiled by waste management company Divert rank East Renfrewshire fourth and Renfrewshire joint sixth among Scottish councils for the cost of their garden waste collection services.
The research found new customers in East Renfrewshire pay £54.50 for the service, while households in Renfrewshire pay £52.
Renfrewshire also charges £52 for each additional brown bin. The council offers one free permit for households receiving Council Tax Benefit or an exemption for a person with a severe mental impairment.
Of Scotland’s 32 councils, 25 charge households for a garden waste collection service. Stirling and West Dunbartonshire are the most expensive, with both charging £60 a year. Among councils that charge, Dumfries and Galloway and East Lothian are the cheapest, with annual permits costing £40. Aberdeen City and Fife offer one standard garden waste collection permit free of charge.
The research found the average annual cost of a paid garden waste collection service across Scotland is £45.42. That means households in East Renfrewshire pay more than £9 above the Scottish average, while Renfrewshire residents pay almost £7 more.
The study also found that one in four Scottish councils offer discounted garden waste services.
John Verity, Managing Director of Divert, said: “Garden waste collection charges have become a real postcode lottery for residents across the UK, as in some areas, households can have their garden waste collected kerbside, whereas others require a separate subscription to be taken out.
“With more people spending time in their gardens over the summer, it is worth checking your council’s terms before signing up to an annual subscription. Households with only a small amount of garden waste may find home composting, sharing a bin with a neighbour where their council allows it, or using a local household recycling centre works out better.
“But where the waste is coming from a business activity, property clearance, landlord maintenance or a commercial gardener, it should not be placed into a domestic garden waste collection. In those cases, they need to use a licensed waste carrier or a commercial waste service and keep the right paperwork.”
Divert said the figures were compiled using information published on council websites and are based on the cost paid by new customers signing up to a garden waste collection service. The company said the data was correct as of 8th June 2026 and is subject to change.
A Renfrewshire Council spokesperson, said: “In January 2025, councillors agreed a three-year pricing strategy for garden waste permits, with the 2026/27 permit set at £52. This helps us continue to provide a reliable and sustainable garden waste collection service despite ongoing increases in operating costs.
“Garden waste collection is a discretionary service and councils across Scotland set charges based on their own local costs and service arrangements. Collection and disposal costs will vary across the country depending on a number of local factors.
“Residents can continue to recycle garden waste free of charge at our household waste recycling centres, or arrange a one-off collection through our special uplift service.
“Exemptions also remain available for households in receipt of full Council Tax Reduction.”