GARDEN waste permits can now be bought by residents in Renfrewshire.

An annual fee of £40 to have garden waste collected is being introduced in the area, with residents being encouraged to purchase a permit before the new service begins on July 10.

Those who pay the charge will receive a sticker to be attached to their brown bin, which will ensure their garden waste is collected by council crews.

The permit applies to one brown bin at the property only, with additional permits and brown bins available to be purchased.

READ MORE: Worries surrounding rollout of £40 garden waste permit aired at council meeting

To ensure the permit is in place ahead of the new service starting, residents are being urged to apply by June 25 – but applications can be made after this date too.

Anyone who does not wish to participate can continue to present their brown bin with food waste only, but if garden waste is placed into the bin without a permit, then it will not be collected until it is removed.

Garden waste, such as grass and hedge cuttings, can continue to be taken to any of Renfrewshire's recycling centres for free or residents can pay to use the council's special uplift service.

All other bin collections will remain the same.

READ NEXT: Popular brand expands store in shopping centre

Waste advisors will carry out roadshows at libraries across Renfrewshire throughout June to allow local people to ask questions and the details of these can be found on the council website.

For full details of the scheme and to apply for a permit, visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/garden-waste-collection or call 0300 300 0380. 

For any questions, email garden.waste@renfrewshire.gov.uk.