Council defends green waste charge increase

Wednesday, 14 January 2026 10:00

Rutland County Council has defended an upcoming rise in green bin charges, saying it will barely cover their costs.

Residents can apply to the scheme from Monday at the new price of £73. Yesterday the Cabinet approved a pause in seeking a new waste contract after April 2028 as by that time Rutland is likely to be part of a new authority in local government reorganisation. Portfolio holder for Transport, Environment and Communities Councillor Christine Wise says they're not making any money from the increase in charges in green bin collection.

‘Green waste isn't a service that we have to offer, we do offer it but we don't get any allowances for that, so it has to attempt to at least partially cover its costs. This year the council is facing a £6.9 million increase in costs, of which two and a half million is inflation alone. So to balance the budget, and remember we always have to produce a balanced budget, we're having to raise 1.1 million in fees and charges and part of that is the green waste. But I've seen a lot of things in social media about all this is just the council profiteering. We're not allowed to make a profit on it. At most we are allowed to cover our costs and so we are not profiteering at that £73’.

Rutland County Council is also expected to launch a public consultation on its budget. They are proposing a rise of 3.9% in council tax with half in adult social care and the other half for general spend.