A council has proposed a £59 charge for green bin garden waste collections in a bid to cut costs.

Around 100,000 residents in Stockport, Greater Manchester, current get a weekly green bin collection for both garden and food waste free of charge.

But, faced with budget constraints, the council is planning to make changes that could save the local authority up to £2m.

Stockport council has proposed keeping the weekly free food-only green bin collection in place, but with the option of bringing in a permit to charge residents for a weekly garden waste collection (£59 a year), Manchester Evening News

This would be discounted to £39 for those receiving council tax support, under the proposed changes.

The move would also see blue bin collections, used to recycle things like paper and cardboard, being collected once every four weeks rather than every two weeks, as per the outlet.

Cllr. Mark Roberts, Deputy Leader and Member for Climate Change & Environment of the council, insisted the savings would “protect vital frontline services” including funding for things like social care, libraries, and parks.

“Over 75 per cent of our budget supports essential services for vulnerable children and adults here in Stockport,” the Lib Dem said.

“Due to these constraints we must make tough decisions, and one of those proposed changes is charging for garden waste collection, a service that most councils across the country already charge for.”

But Coun Peter Crossen warned that the changes could result in some residents refusing to pay for collections and burning garden waste, as well as more fly-tipping.

Council leader Mark Hunter said the borough is faced with “significant financial challenges,” and needs to save £26.5m in 2025, and £49m by 2027/28.

Trafford and Bolton councils have also revealed plans to introduce a charge of almost £45 annually for collecting garden waste.

Stockport council’s proposals for the cost-cutting measures will be debated at its scrutiny committee meetings next week before a decision is made.