HOUSEHOLDERS across Darlington can now sign up for this year’s garden waste collections, which will be extended into December.

The start of last year’s collections was delayed by a month due to Covid-19 restrictions, beginning in May rather than April so they were extended to December.

The later collections proved so popular, that this year collections will run from April to December. 

More than 7,160 households signed up for the service last year and around 1,650 tonnes of garden waste were collected and recycled as agricultural fertiliser, compared to just under 1,210 tonnes the previous year.

Councillor Andy Keir, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for local services, said: “Despite the challenges we faced with Covid-19 restrictions, our staff worked hard to provide what once again proved to be very popular service.

“We extended collections into December due to the late start, but the feedback from householders was very positive with many asking for later collections to be added particularly as many trees still shed leaves in December.

“We’re delighted to be able to extend the service this year, for an annual fee of £36, and householders are now invited to sign up or renew online.”

Householders who used the garden waste service last year will receive an email in the next few days inviting them to renew for 2021.

For more details and how to sign up for the first time, visit: www.darlington.gov.uk/gardenwaste