PLANS for a new garden waste collection service could be introduced in Fareham.

It could mean that residents will have to pay for a new wheelie bin for their garden waste to be collected.

At a meeting on September 24, councillors will decide whether to stop the current free waste sacks.

Residents who join the new service could have to pay an extra £1.48 per week, in the first year.

This includes a one-off cost to buy a new bin and would cost £1.15 per week in the years after.

Fareham is currently the only area in Hampshire not to charge for garden waste collection.

The plans come in an effort to reduce single use plastic.

Executive Member for Streetscene at Fareham Borough Council, Cllr Simon Martin, said:

"We understand some residents may be disappointed to lose the free garden waste service however, as we face both the financial impact of the pandemic, and the ongoing need to replace lost income, we have had to look at new ways to bring in revenue to protect our vital services.

"We think the proposed new subscription service offers a good deal for gardeners and is the fairest option because only those using the service would be asked to pay. Subscribers will have the added benefit of being able to dispose of a lot more than they can using the garden waste sacks."