Elderly residents will be able to help save the planet and their pennies after the cost of garden waste collections was cut in Richmond.

Over 75s will be able to rent a compost bin from Richmond Council for £45 rather than the original £60 - a cut of 25 per cent - which includes the costs of collections of garden trimmings and waste.

Councillor Geoffrey Samuel, Richmond Council’s deputy leader, said: “This decision will assist our elderly residents and will help us to revive our stagnating recycling rates.”

The changes are expected to come into force in the autumn.

The council’s green waste collection service operates fortnightly collections, and residents must register in order to have their waste collected.

For more information about registering call the council’s recycling service on 0845 6122660 or visit richmond.gov.uk/green_waste_collection_service.