Garden waste collections will restart for Sandwell residents from this week.

The council, and waste partner Serco, have worked to prioritise recycling and general waste collections due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The fortnightly garden waste collections will resume in the first two weeks of May (May 4-15) for 120,000 properties across Sandwell – alongside weekly recycling and general waste collections. Anyone who is not sure which week their garden waste collection is can check on the council website.

Residents are asked not to overload their green garden waste bins and to make sure bin lids are closed for collections. Councillor Maria Crompton, deputy leader of Sandwell Council, said:

“We are delighted to be able to restart the garden waste service for residents and I would like to thank everyone for their patience during this difficult period. We anticipate that there will be more rubbish and bins out than usual and I ask residents to have patience with our crews during this time. 

“Our crews will be doing their very best to collect your garden waste bins on the usual day, but if it takes longer to do the collections than usual, please leave your bin out until they get to you. 

“Please continue to show your support for our crews – I know they are very grateful for all the thank you notes you have left on the bins over the last month.”

Residents are reminded that soil should not be put in bins and any garden waste that has been stored in bags should be emptied into the bin before collection. Bags can be disposed of in the general waste bin.

Extra garden waste at the side of bins will not be taken, so anyone who has any extra garden rubbish should place it in the bin after it has been emptied ready for their next fortnightly collection. Residents are advised to put their garden waste out by 6.45am on their collection day.

The following can be recycled in garden waste bins:

• grass cuttings and cut flowers
• hedge and shrub clippings
• plants and weeds
• leaves, twigs and bark

Do not put in garden waste bins are:

• plant pots or plastic
• soil, turf, ask or garden chemicals
• stones or rubble 

Residents can check their bin collection day here.