The Highland Council is advising garden waste customers in Inverness and Nairn that some customer’s brown bin collection days will change from Monday 19 October, as new collection routes are introduce
Approximately 10,000 customers who have purchased a 2026/27 garden waste permit and are affected by these changes, will receive a letter or email outlining their new collection day and an updated collection calendar. The changes will also be promoted in local newspapers and through the Council’s social media channels. Non-recyclable waste and recycling collections are not affected.
Updated collection calendars will be available on the Council website from Friday 16 October. Customers can check their garden waste collection day online.
The revised routes have been designed to create a more balanced and efficient service, helping to reduce vehicle mileage, improve fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions.
Councillor Graham Mackenzie, Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, said:
"The new garden waste collection routes in Inverness and Nairn form an important part of the Council’s waste strategy, helping us to deliver an efficient and sustainable service to as many households as possible.
"Customers who will get a collection change should look out for a letter or email from the week commencing 5 October. New collection calendars will be included with letters and provided via a web link for email recipients. From 16 October, customers can also check their new collection day online on the Council’s website.
"From 19 October, the Council’s Waste Aware Team will be supporting collection crews across Inverness and Nairn and will be available to assist residents with the transition. We would also encourage people to support elderly neighbours and relatives by helping them ensure their bins are presented on the correct day."
The cost of a 2026/27 garden waste permit remains £48.95, and permits are still available to purchase online.
The fortnightly garden waste service accepts:
- Grass cuttings
- Hedge trimmings
- Twigs and small branches
- Flowers and plants
- Weeds
- Leaves
The service is optional, and residents may also dispose of garden waste free of charge at their local Household Waste Recycling Centre.
For more information, visit our website or email recycle@highland.gov.uk.