More than 440 tonnes of food waste have been collected across Bedford Borough in the first month of the council’s new weekly service.
Bedford Borough Council said 442 tonnes of food waste had been collected since the scheme launched on 30 March 2026, with crews completing more than 300,000 collections from households across the borough.
The council said the amount collected is roughly equivalent to the weight of four blue whales.
Read: Weekly food waste collections begin across Bedford Borough
Turning waste into energy
The food waste collected is recycled through anaerobic digestion, where it is used to generate renewable energy for the National Grid and fertiliser for local farms.
Crews operate Monday to Friday, collecting food waste street by street across the borough.
Outdoor food waste bins are emptied into larger containers carried alongside collection vehicles, which are then mechanically transferred into the lorry for transport and recycling.
“Big change for the borough.”
Cllr Nicola Gribble (Independent, Renhold and Ravensden), portfolio holder for environment, thanked residents for supporting the scheme during its first month.
“It’s been a big change for the borough, and we’re grateful for residents’ support and patience as the service gets established,” she said.
“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.”
Early benefits reported
The council said residents have reported that their black bins are filling up more slowly since the introduction of weekly food waste collections.
Some households have also said separating food waste has helped reduce kitchen and outdoor bin smells. The service is also being used in different ways, including with compostable liners, reused plastic bags or by rinsing caddies after use.
The council is also encouraging people to reduce food waste through the Love Food Hate Waste campaign.
Bedfordians are being reminded to report issues such as missed collections online via the council website.
The authority said prompt reporting helps crews respond more quickly and supports ongoing improvements to the service.
