Just over 6,200 missed bin complaints were lodged with Bedford Borough Council during the first three months of its new food waste collection rollout.
Official figures reveal just 6,279 missed collections (0.6 per cent) were reported by local people out of 1.04 million scheduled collections across all waste streams between late March and June.
The data comes as local social media groups face daily reports from neighbours and ward councillors regarding uncollected bins across the borough.
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While the figures relate to reports the council receives from homeowners, a spokesperson for Bedford Borough Council confirmed that crews do not formally record routes they are unable to complete on their scheduled day.
Instead, uncollected routes remain listed as scheduled, with teams aiming to return on the next working day to finish the round.
Reviewing repeat missed bin reports
The council acknowledged that recent heatwaves created operational challenges for crews adjusting to the expanded service.
The waste team is now reviewing addresses with multiple missed collections to identify patterns, improve training and check details provided to new crews.
A council spokesperson said: “As with many local authorities, the service is operating in a challenging environment, but is continuing to review performance, improve training and use resident feedback to reduce issues.”
Despite missed or delayed collections, homeowners across the Borough successfully diverted 1,418 tonnes of food waste from black bins during the service’s first three months.
516 tonnes of organic waste
In June alone, local households recycled 516 tonnes of organic waste, preventing 86.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent from entering household waste streams.
All collected food waste goes to a local Biogen facility for anaerobic digestion, converting organic material into renewable energy and agricultural fertiliser.
Cllr Nicola Gribble (Independent/Renhold and Ravensden), portfolio holder for environment, said: “It’s fantastic to see residents continuing to use the food waste collection service in such strong numbers.”
“We know there have been some challenges as the service has been introduced, particularly during the recent hot weather, and we are grateful for residents’ patience and understanding as our teams work to resolve issues and keep improving the service.”
Advice for households
To help prevent missed collections, the council recommends placing bins at the kerbside by 6am on scheduled collection days, with food caddies positioned next to wheelie bins.
Crews have requested that local people do not place small kitchen caddies inside outdoor food bins or use black bin liners for organic waste.
Clean cereal bags, bread bags or shop-bought compostable liners are permitted alternatives.
Anyone who experiences an uncollected bin can submit a report within two working days at bedford.gov.uk/MissedBin to arrange a return collection.
