Bedford Borough Council is reminding residents that green-lidded garden waste collections pause for the winter from 1 December. Garden waste collections run each year from 1 March to 30 November. The service will return from 1 March 2027.
The seasonal pause reflects the significant reduction in grass cuttings, pruning and other garden waste during the colder months. It enables the Council to use vehicles, crews and resources efficiently while continuing to prioritise essential household waste and recycling collections.
Councillor Nicola Gribble, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: “We recognise that some residents garden throughout the winter and may still have occasional garden waste. However, the overall amount produced falls considerably at this time of year.
“Pausing collections over winter is a sensible way to manage resources while keeping this valued service available for residents throughout the main growing season. We remain committed to helping households recycle their garden waste responsibly.”
Residents with garden waste during the pause can compost at home, turning suitable garden material and uncooked fruit and vegetable peelings into a useful soil improver. Residents can also take their garden waste free of charge to the Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) on Barkers Lane. Please remember that vehicles must now be registered to use the HWRC before their first visit.
Please do not place garden waste in black household waste bins, which are for things that cannot be recycled. Never place garden waste in the orange-lidded bins, or leave bags of garden waste beside bins, as it will not be collected.
For collection dates and advice on what goes in each bin, visit www.bedford.gov.uk/BinsAndRecycling