Bedford Borough Council is reminding residents that garden waste collections using green-lidded bins will pause for winter from Sunday, 1 December, resuming on Saturday, 1 March 2026.
The garden waste service runs annually from 1 March to 30 November to help residents manage seasonal garden waste. Collections are paused during the colder months when the volume of garden waste naturally declines.
Cllr Nicola Gribble (Independent, Renhold & Ravensden), Portfolio Holder for Environment, said, “Our garden waste service supports residents who have outdoor spaces that generate waste through spring, summer and autumn.
“As volumes of garden waste drop in winter, pausing collections helps us use resources responsibly and focus on maintaining quality services.”
Waste strategy consultation
The Council is currently consulting on its new Waste Strategy, seeking residents’ views on how to improve waste and recycling services sustainably across Bedford Borough.
Read: Green bin charge could be introduced as Bedford Borough faces £33m funding gap
The consultation covers all aspects of waste management, including green waste collections, and residents are encouraged to take part at bedford.gov.uk/consultation.
Read: Bedford Borough Council launches consultation on future waste and recycling strategy
Managing garden waste during winter
Residents who need to dispose of garden waste over the winter months can:
- Compost at home to recycle materials and improve soil health.
- Take garden waste to the Household Waste Recycling Centre on Barkers Lane, which remains open year-round. Details are available at www.bedford.gov.uk/HWR.
- Leave fallen leaves in garden beds to nourish soil and support local wildlife.
The Council thanked residents for their continued cooperation as it works to balance community needs, environmental responsibility and budget priorities.
