Whether it’s bin collections or mental health support, on this page you can find information, support and emergency contact numbers for over the festive period.
Bin collections
Find your bin collection dates over the festive period and for 2026, up to April when we introduce food waste collections and new collection days, on our check your bin day webpage.
Don’t forget glass bottles and jars can now go straight in your orange-lidded bin. Check what can go in your orange-lidded bin and where you can take other items to be recycled on our what goes in your bin webpage.
If your orange-lidded bin is full, you can leave extra recycling next to it in cardboard boxes or clear plastic bags on your collection day.
Take the scrunch test - If wrapping paper stays in a ball when scrunched, it can go in your orange-lidded bin, if not it should go in your black bin.
Christmas cards can also be recycled - remember to tear off any bits with glitter or embellishments as these cannot be recycled.
Real Christmas tree drop-off sites
This is a free service, real Christmas trees can be dropped off at any time from Monday 30 December to Wednesday 8 January. Please remove all the decorations and pots or containers and drop your tree off to be recycled.
The eight drop off points are:
- Hillgrounds Road, Kempston (opposite the shops near Hartwell Drive).
- Jubilee Park, Bedford (opposite North Lodge, Canvin Way).
- Milton Ernest Garden Centre, Radwell Road, off the A6.
- Mowsbury Park Car Park, Bedford, Kimbolton Road (be aware this has changed from the other car park which was used last year).
- Podington Garden Centre, High Street, Podington.
- Roxton Garden Centre, A421 near A1 Black Cat roundabout.
- Seasons Garden Centre, Bedford Road, Wixams / Wilstead.
- Bedford Household Waste Recycling Centre, Barkers Lane.
Household Waste Recycling Centre (Tidy Tip)
The site is open from 9am to 5pm seven days a week. Last entry is 4.50pm.
The site is closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day, find more information for your visit on our Household waste and recycling centre webpage
Pharmacies
If you need a local pharmacy you can search on Community Pharmacy BLMK & Northants for pharmacies open on the Bank Holidays.
Mental health support
Whether or not Christmas is a part of your life, this time of year can leave us feeling overwhelmed, isolated, anxious and/or lonely. How Christmas makes each of us feel is completely individual. However, it’s important to remember that you’re not alone.
If you’re worried about your mental health, or the mental health of a friend or family member, you can find support and local help on our mental health webpage at www.bedford.gov.uk/emotional-health
School term and holiday dates
You can check school term and holiday dates.
Remember to check with your child's schools or academy as some may make minor changes to school term dates.
Winter maintenance updates
Find updates on bus services, waste collection, gritting, school and adult transport and school closures in the event of bad weather on our winter updates page.
The Higgins Bedford
Find the opening hours over Christmas and New Year, and plan your visit for The Higgins Bedford.
Bedford Borough Libraries
Find opening hours for your local library, events and activities, and the mobile library timetable, at www.bedford.gov.uk/YourLibrary
Opening hours for Customer Services at the Bedford Borough Hub
Go to our contact us webpage to find out the quickest and easiest ways to get in touch.
The Bedford Borough Hub is closed on Bank Holidays.
Emergency / out-of-hours contacts
- Highways 01234 718003
- Environmental Health 01234 718099
- Housing, find advice and information at www.bedford.gov.uk/housingadvice. If you are homeless, please contact 01234 718058 (out of hours 01234 267422)
- If you are concerned about a child find help at information at www.bedford.gov.uk/child-safeguarding
- If you are concerned about an adult find help and information at www.bedford.gov.uk/adult-safeguarding
We wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all those that are celebrating.