The cost of Highland Council's garden waste permits will remain frozen at £48.95 for the 2026/27 season, maintaining last year’s price to support residents during ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
Garden waste permits are now available to purchase online at www.highland.gov.uk/gardenwaste or through the Council’s Service Point network. Existing 2025/26 permit holders will receive renewal reminders in the coming weeks. The optional fortnightly collection service is also open to new customers within eligible areas.
The garden waste collection service provides between 19 and 20 collections per season, depending on collection schedules, equating to approximately £2.50 per collection per bin. The 2026/27 permit period runs from 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2027, with a winter suspension during December, January and February.
Demand for permits will be high in the weeks immediately prior to the 2026/27 service commencing in September; therefore, householders are encouraged to sign-up by the 1st of August to ensure they receive permits in time for the first collections.
Customers can continue to order garden waste permits after 1 August; however, the Council cannot guarantee that permits ordered following this date will arrive in time for the first collections of the 2026/27 permit year
Councillor Graham MacKenzie, Chair of Highland Council’s Communities and Place Committee, said: “The Council has chosen to freeze the permit price for the second year running to avoid placing additional financial pressure on households. We hope this encourages continued participation and attracts new users to the service.
“Garden waste recycling plays an important role in improving overall recycling rates. Materials such as grass cuttings, leaves and hedge trimmings can be effectively recycled, helping to reduce waste sent for disposal and supports environmental sustainability. With the Council being under significant financial pressure, I am really pleased that we are able to offer garden waste permits at a cost-effective price for householders along with providing a convenient, environmentally friendly, easy to use service.”
Garden waste permits can be purchased online at www.highland.gov.uk/gardenwaste or by visiting a Council Service Point.
To check if you live in a garden waste collection area, or for further information, visit www.highland.gov.uk/gardenwaste or email recycle@highland.gov.uk