The winners were announced at the RWM Expo in the LARAC Lounge, in association with the Local Authority Recycling Advisory Committee (LARAC) and sponsored by CONTENUR.
A LARAC executive judged all entries across the four categories.
The awards recognise councils and individuals demonstrating innovation, effective service management, resident engagement and commitment to improving garden waste services.
Permiserv, which has worked with councils across the UK for almost a decade to optimise garden waste services through permits and software, said it had seen “incredible innovations, dedication, and success stories” across the sector.
Last year’s winners included Anna-Marie Wicks, who received the Individual Recognition Award, while Hackney Council was named winner of the Best Run Service category.
Best Resident Engagement Campaign
The Best Resident Engagement Campaign award recognises councils or teams that have delivered effective communications to engage residents, influence behaviour and achieve measurable results.
Campaigns could include digital communications, direct mail, social media, behaviour change programmes or multi-channel approaches, with the award intended to recognise initiatives that had “inspired residents and delivered real results for the community”.
The 2026 winner was London Borough of Brent for its campaign, “A growing success: how Brent used a prize-draw incentive to increase its number of garden waste subscribers”.
Thanet received the Highly Commended Award for Best Resident Engagement Campaign, for its Leafing Bin Scheme.
Best Run Service
The Best Run Service Award celebrates councils that have demonstrated excellence in garden waste management.
Entries were invited from councils that had increased subscriptions or tonnage, delivered effective communication campaigns, overcome service challenges or otherwise improved their garden waste provision.
The 2026 winner was Luton Council for “Rooted in Resilience: How Luton Built a Best-in-Class Garden Waste Service During COVID-19”.
Best Newcomer
The Best Newcomer Award recognises councils that have recently launched or significantly expanded their garden waste service and have already made a positive impact.
Permiserv said the category was open to councils introducing a new subscription service, refreshing an existing approach or undertaking a major service transformation.
The 2026 winner was Epping Forest District Council.
Garden Waste Champion
The Garden Waste Champion Award recognises an individual who has gone above and beyond to deliver outstanding results for their council and community.
Permiserv said the award could recognise anyone involved in the delivery of a garden waste service, from officers and customer service staff to refuse workers, highlighting their contribution to planning, communications, operations, problem-solving and resident support.
The 2026 winner was Imogen Percy-Bell of Highland Council, recognised for her continued commitment to improving garden waste services for both the council and its residents.
Register for free to comment