The quality of the air we breathe can have a significant effect on our health and wellbeing.
We are required to regularly review and assess air quality in Bedford Borough, and also regulate emissions from a range of industrial processes.
We work to manage air pollution and towards achieving national objectives for key pollutants in our air including:
Currently, the main source of pollution in Bedford Borough is from road traffic vehicle emissions and in 2009 Bedford Town Centre became an Air Quality Management Area (AQMA) due to excessive levels of pollution. The Town Centre AQMA 5 was declared on 6 November 2009.
We use a network of diffusion tubes to monitor pollution at numerous locations within the Borough.
These are small plastic tubes that absorb pollutants which are then sent to a laboratory for analysis.
We also use real time analysers which accurately measure levels of pollutants in the air constantly.
Live air quality data and pollution forecasts for Bedford Borough are available on the Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire Air Quality Network website.
Our reports contain results of air quality monitoring and describe the work that has been undertaken in considering and assessing air quality. They also include an overview of actions being carried out to manage local air quality in Bedford Borough.
The urban areas of Bedford and Kempston are in a smoke control area where only authorised fuels must be used.
These fuels have passed tests to confirm that they are capable of burning in an open fireplace without producing smoke.
Otherwise, fuels must be burnt using an exempt fireplace. Exempt appliances are capable of burning unauthorised or smoky fuel without emitting smoke.
Open fires and wood burning stoves - a practical guide (PDF)
It is an offence to create smoke from a chimney of a building, or from a furnace, or any fixed boiler in a smoke control area.
We issue fines of up to £1,000 for burning waste which creates smoke in the Bedford and Kempston smoke control area.
View our smoke control area map.
From 1 May 2021 new legislation regulating the sale of solid fuels came into force.
This places restrictions on the sale of certain solid fuels including traditional house coal (also known as bituminous coal), wood and manufactured solid fuels.
For further information see guidance on GOV.UK:
Please email EHAdmin@bedford.gov.uk to report any concerns about the sale of solid fuel.
Our teams work hard to keep Bedford Borough clean. You can contact them to ask them about:
You can get in contact by email ehadmin@bedford.gov.uk or telephone 01234 718099.
Read about how we’re supporting schools and families in the AQMA.
The Rookery South Resource Recovery Facility is located within Central Bedfordshire at Rookery Pit in Stewartby.
It is operated by Covanta and opened in 2022.
Please visit Central Bedfordshire Council's web pages for further information about the site including the background to the site becoming operational, details of where to direct complaints and public engagement activities being undertaken by the facility.