Across the borough, more than 10,000 green-fingered residents already benefit from the council’s garden waste service – and even occasional gardeners can get great value for money by taking out a joint subscription for a whole year alongside a neighbour.

Slowly but surely the days are getting longer and signing up for the council’s fortnightly garden waste collection service is a great way to get on with the business of preparing for spring.

A subscription takes the hassle out if getting rid of unwanted cuttings, leaves, twigs and grass to the recycling centre, saving you time that you can spend getting on with actually gardening.

What is more, once collected, your cuttings are recycled into high quality compost meaning signing up to the service is the environmentally-friendly way to get rid of your garden waste.

Prices have again been frozen for annual subscriptions, which start from April and run until March 2020 and you can get an annual subscription for just £75 – with concessionary rates of £57.50 available for those aged over 65 and those on means-tested benefits.

Subscribers can choose between using green bags or a green wheelie bin, depending on how big their garden is and how much waste they produce. You can pay either up-front or spread the cost by direct debit.

Councillor Mik Sabiers, the council’s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: “The council’s garden waste collection service is far more convenient than making a trip to one of our local recycling and reuse centres. Alongside composting it yourself, it is also the most environmentally-friendly option.

“Thousands of people across the borough use it and the service represents real value for money even for those who do not see themselves as avid gardeners because they can share the cost with a neighbour.

“From household rubbish and bulky items, to garden waste, we always try to make it as easy as possible for residents to make environmentally-friendly choices.”

Current subscribers will be sent renewal notices advising on how to make payments via post and email, and should renew before April 1 2019 to avoid disruption to their collections.

Visit www.ealing.gov.uk/gardenwaste to sign up to the service.