RYEDALE residents can now subscribe to the district council's new Garden Waste Collection Service.

Information packs detailing the changes to the collections are being sent to each property in the area,

From June, emptying the brown bins will become a chargeable service, at £27 for the period to March 2015.

The information pack being mailed directly to each household contains a letter and a leaflet, detailing how residents can subscribe to the scheme. Also included will be a leaflet containing some useful ‘frequently asked questions’ about the changes.

Beckie Bennett, Streetscene Manager for Ryedale District Council, said the quickest and easiest way to pay was online.

“However, there will be a number of other easy ways to pay, for residents who do not have access to a computer”, she added.

“It will be possible to subscribe to the scheme any time up until July 18, but residents are advised to subscribe as soon as possible so they can benefit from the maximum number of collections."

Garden waste collections cannot be guaranteed if subscriptions are received after 1that date.

Once payment has been received, a confirmation letter will be posted out along with a licence within 14 days. This licence will need to be affixed to the garden waste bin to show the collection crew that residents have paid to receive the service. Bins without current licences will not be emptied.

Residents using compostable liners instead of wheeled bins will have new liners delivered.

Members of Ryedale District Council agreed last year to introduce the charge.

Garden waste collections have been costing the council over £285,000 per year to run, however to protect the service and ensure its continued provision, it was agreed to introduce a subscription opt-in service to offset part of the cost of providing it.

For further information about the changes go to: www.ryedale.gov.uk