Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her proposed reform of waste collection practices will include a requirement that local authorities provide a free garden waste collection service.

We consulted on a range of options for dealing with garden waste in our 2021 recycling consistency consultation – including free collections, a maximum reasonable charge and methods to increase home composting rates.

We have considered the fairness of each option alongside its environmental benefit. We will confirm the policy decision on garden waste collections in our Government response to this consultation which will be published shortly.