You are here: Home Page > Environment and Planning > Rubbish, Recycling and Waste > Recycling Collection

Recycling Collection

Orange Bin and Bag

This is a kerbside collection service that allows you to send your waste for recycling rather than to a landfill site.  Bedford Borough Council provides a fortnightly collection service using a bin or bags to supplement your normal weekly rubbish collection and your fortnightly garden waste collections. 

 

How do I start recycling?

You can order a bin or a supply of bags (for properties that cannot accommodate a bin) by calling us on 0800 121 8888 or e-mail us at CallCentre@bedford.gov.uk 

You can also order a recycling container online by clicking here.

 

NEW!  WINTER 2009 RECYCLING GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD HERE

Download your copy of the latest Recycling Guide which includes a copy of next year's collection calendar, information on recycling and tips on reducing your waste, and the Christmas opening times of Barkers Lane Household Waste Recycling Centre. For a seperate copy of the collection calendar click below:

DOWNLOAD THE 09/10 RECYCLING COLLECTION CALENDAR HERE

 

What can be recycled in my orange lidded bin or sacks?

Yes please

No thanks

Food tins & drinks cans

 Glass bottles & jars

Aluminium foil & empty aerosol cans

Garden waste

Paper (incl. envelopes, catalogues and junk mail)

Kitchen waste

Cardboard

Electrical appliances

Plastic packaging (incl. trays, punnets, pots, bottles, bags and wrapping)

Nappies

 

 Worn out clothing, household fabrics and shoes

Car parts

 

 Carpets & other DIY waste

 

Remember to put all of your recyclable items into your orange bin loose (there is no need to separate materials into different bags).

 

DOWNLOAD THE CURRENT RECYCLING PICTURE LEAFLET HERE

On collection day

Please put your bin or bags out for collection by 7.00am on your collection day. If you use orange bags please tie the top and put them next to your black wheeled bin. If you use a bin, please make sure the bin is removed back on to your property as soon as possible after your collection has been made.

Your recycling will be collected by a separate vehicle to that used for your normal rubbish and taken for recycling.

 

My bin or bags have not been collected, what can I do?

If your orange bin has not been emptied or bags collected, please contact the Environmental Helpdesk on 0800 121 8888.

 

My orange lidded bin is full, what can I do?

Here are some tips to help you maximise the space in your bin and minimise your waste:

  1. Reduce the waste you produce by careful shopping. Look for products with less packaging, buy fruit and vegetable loose and consider buying in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
  2. Stop unwanted junk mail by signing up with the Mailing Preference Service at www.mpsonline.org.uk or by calling 08457 034599.
  3. Squash and flatten any plastic containers, tins, cans and cardboard;
  4. Place items loose in the orange lidded bin, do not leave it in bags or sacks.
  5. Take large cardboard boxes to Bedford’s Household Waste Recycling Centre as these can take up lots of space in your bin.

 

Please note that for larger families it may be appropriate to provide larger orange lidded recycling containers. For more information please contact the Environmental Helpdesk on 0800 121 8888.

 

If you are still having problems, the following provisions are now available:

  • 1 free roll of orange sacks per year with the option to buy more rolls at £6 per roll;
  • A choice of buying one of two different sizes of recycling container for a one-off payment of £30 + VAT. 

For more information please contact the Environmental Helpdesk on 0800 121 8888.

Don't Miss

Here you will find information on environmental and planning issues. This section provides a wealth of information including details on how to make or enquire about a planning application, rubbish, waste and recycling information.

Related Links