The collection of green waste in Three Rivers will either be scrapped or residents will be forced to pay for it.

Green waste is currently collected once a fortnight in the district.

But the council has launched a consultation which could see residents forced to pay up to £70 a year for their green waste to be collected.

Tim Ashby, spokesman for Three Rivers District Council, said: “If the council is to balance its budget in the future, it may be forced to either stop collecting garden waste altogether, or start charging for the service, as it currently costs £95 per household per year to collect and dispose of garden waste.”

The survey, which is on the council’s website, asks residents if they would be prepared to pay “up to £70 per year”, “up to £50 per year” or “up to £35 per year”.

But another question reads: “Depending on the financial situation in the coming year, the council may be faced with the difficult decision of whether to stop collecting garden waste altogether, or continue with the service on a ‘paid for’ basis…Which option would you favour?”

The consultation can be found at www.threerivers.gov.uk People can also ring the council on 01923 776611 and request a hard-copy of the survey and a paid-for response envelope.

The consultation closes on Wednesday, October 21.