HOUSEHOLDS are reminded the current green waste collection service will soon end and be replaced with the new optional, paid-for service.

The changes mean residents’ final green waste collection date under the four-bag limit service will be made on the usual day between Monday, March 17, and Friday, March 28.

Households were informed of the changes in January and a reminder is going out this week in the annual council tax bills.

Residents are asked not to put out bags of green waste after their final collection date, as they will no longer be picked up.

Replacing the current service, the optional and paid-for service begins on March 31. Time is running out to register in time for the start of the service; residents need to sign up by Friday to guarantee receiving their wheelie bin, or supply of bags, ready for the first collection round.

The service costs £40 annually for a fortnightly collection throughout the year, except two weeks at Christmas, which is equivalent to £1.60 per collection, and so far more than 4,500 households have signed up. It includes a wheelie bin (or annual supply of bags for households the council considers unsuitable for a wheelie bin).

To register, call 01793 445501 or go online at www.swindon.gov.uk/greenwaste More information about the changes is available at www.swindon.gov.uk/recycling