Have your say on how Bedford Borough Council manages waste and recycling in the years ahead.
Bedford Borough Council has launched a public consultation to help shape the future of its Resources Waste Strategy. Residents are invited to share their views on how waste and recycling services should evolve to meet new national requirements and support a more sustainable Borough.
Government changes to waste policy mean councils across the country must align their services with national objectives to increase recycling and reuse, reduce carbon emissions, and deliver best value. Without changing current waste habits, new treatment taxes could see Bedford Borough Council facing an additional £1.6 million a year in waste treatment costs by 2030.
The Council is responsible for collecting and managing all household waste and recycling. It collects residential garden waste, provides special services such as clinical, commercial, and bulky waste collections, operates the Household Waste Recycling Centre (tip) on Barkers Lane, and the mini-recycling sites across the borough. The new Waste Strategy will set out a long-term approach to ensuring these services remain effective, efficient, affordable, and environmentally responsible.
The consultation is available online now and will remain open until 11.59pm, Sunday, 30 November 2025. Paper copies are also available from Bedford Central Library, Bedford Borough Hub (Horne Lane) and Bedford Borough Hall (Cauldwell Street) for those unable to respond digitally, and these must be returned to us by 5pm on Friday, 5 December.
To find out more and take part, visit www.bedford.gov.uk/consultations
Councillor Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment at Bedford Borough Council, said, “Managing waste responsibly is crucial for both our environment and our residents. This consultation is an opportunity for everyone in Bedford Borough to share their views on how we manage waste and recycling in the future. We want to make sure our services continue to protect the environment, reduce carbon emissions, and provide the best value for money.”