Watford's gardeners may be hit by an “eye-watering” 87% rise in the price of a second green bin.

A budget proposal set to be debated by Watford Borough Council on January 31 includes a number of rising costs for people and businesses.

Some of the largest are for garden waste, as the council says it is “prioritising the services Watford residents value”.

Watford Observer: Under the current system each bin costs the sameUnder the current system each bin costs the same (Image: Stock)

A wheeled bin would go from £40 to £50 under the proposal, with a second bin now costing more than the first at £75.

Under the current system, Watford households pay £40 annually for each green bin up to a maximum of seven.

Labour borough councillor Asif Khan branded the potential hike “eye-watering”.

Watford mayor Peter Taylor said: “Council finances have been hit hard with rising prices and the cost-of-living crisis.

“In the last 10 years, the government has cut funding for Watford Council by over 50%, this means we cannot carry on as usual."

He pointed out that some councils do not collect bins at all and paying for a green bin is optional.

Charges for green bin collections in Watford were first agreed in 2020.

In Three Rivers, the annual charge has already been put up to £60, rising to £105 for second and third bins.

Residents voiced fears it may lead to increased fly-tipping, while some described it as “daylight robbery” and “greedy”.

Others said it is fairer on people without gardens that only those that use the service have to pay for it, rather than everyone paying through tax.

In Hertsmere, each bin costs £49, while in Dacorum they are £45.

“Even though we have had to increase charges, we are still subsidising this service,” the mayor added.

“This means it remains a really good value way of getting rid of garden waste at less than £2 per collection and we have made sure we continue to be cheaper than many other councils.

“For example, in Enfield, the first bin is £80 whereas Watford will charge £50.”