The award-nominated leaf collection scheme by Thanet District Council is returning for autumn 2026, building on last year's success where residents collected eight tonnes of fallen leaves from 237 properties. This year, the initiative has been expanded to include local schools, Town and Parish Councils, and community groups to encourage greater district-wide participation.
To streamline the service, weekly collection days will be assigned based on postcode. Residents in CT7, CT8, and CT9 will have collections on Tuesdays, while those in CT10, CT11, and CT12 will have collections on Thursdays. Participating households will receive free containers with a colour-coded sticker indicating their collection day. Collections are scheduled to begin the week of Monday 19 October and will continue until early January, with bins being reused in autumn 2027.
Residents, schools, community groups, and Town and Parish Councils interested in joining the scheme can request a free container via the council's website. Those who participated in 2025 will need to reorder a bin. Applications are open until Monday 30 November 2026.
As an incentive for environmental action, participants who receive a leaf collection bin will be entered into a prize draw for a year-long garden waste subscription starting in April 2027.
“"Autumn is a lovely time of year here in Thanet, but we know how quickly fallen leaves can build up. Last year, residents did a fantastic job collecting eight tonnes of leaves – that’s a huge amount kept out of general waste and put to good use. It’s a simple, hassle-free way to help look after our local environment, and make a real difference right here in our community. Just request your free bin online, put it out on your set day, and our teams will take care of the rest. I encourage everyone, whether you took part last year or want to try it for the first time, to get your bin ordered, and help us smash last year’s record."
The council's leaf collection scheme has received recognition, being shortlisted for the ‘Local Authority Success – Education and Circular Economy Outreach’ category at the National Recycling Awards and the ‘Environmental Impact’ category at the Recycling Awards for Excellence. It also achieved a highly commended placement in the ‘Best Green Waste Engagement’ category at the 2026 PermiServ Green Waste Awards.
More information, including a link to the order form, is available on the council's website.
