Bedford Borough Council is marking the first month of its new weekly food waste collection service, launched on 30 March 2026, by thanking residents for their support and participation.
In the first four weeks, crews have completed more than 300,000 food waste collections from thousands of households across the borough, with 442 tonnes collected so far. That is roughly equivalent to four blue whales! The new service is helping to reduce the amount of waste placed in black household bins, with food waste being turned into renewable energy that goes to the National Grid and a fertiliser for local farms through anaerobic digestion.
Crews are out Monday to Friday, working street by street in all weathers to collect food waste as efficiently as possible. On collection day, the crew empties each outdoor food waste bin into a larger wheelie bin carried with the vehicle as they move along the street. When that larger bin reaches a set level, it is emptied mechanically into the back of the collection lorry using a lifting system, helping ensure food waste is handled safely and efficiently before being taken for recycling.
Councillor Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said, “Thank you to everyone who has taken part in the first month of our new food waste collection service. It’s been a big change for the borough, and we’re grateful for residents’ support and patience as the service gets established.
“We know there have been some teething issues, but our teams are working hard to resolve these quickly and continue improving the service. It’s great to see so many households getting involved and already seeing the benefits at home.
“By recycling food waste, residents are helping to reduce waste in their black bins and support a more sustainable borough, with waste being used to generate energy and a liquid fertiliser for local farms rather than being processed with other household waste.”
Residents are already reporting the benefits of weekly collections, with many saying their black bins are less full and that separating food waste helps reduce smells in their kitchen and outdoor bins. The council is also encouraging people to use the Love Food Hate Waste website to help reduce the amount of food waste they produce and save money at the same time: www.lovefoodhatewaste.com.
Households are using the service in ways that suit them best. Some residents use liners to keep their caddies clean, others reuse plastic bags such as bread bags, and some prefer to use the caddy without a liner and rinse it as needed.
Residents are reminded that it is quick and easy to report common issues, such as missed collections, at www.bedford.gov.uk/BinsAndRecycling. Prompt reporting helps crews return as soon as possible and supports ongoing service improvements.
For more information about the service, including what can be recycled and tips for managing food waste at home, visit www.bedford.gov.uk/FoodWaste