Keeping Weekly Bin Collections in Bedford Borough

You would expect me to say this, but I think Bedford Borough is a special place for lots of reasons. Another reason to add to that list is that we are one of what is now a minority of areas which still has a weekly collection of 'black bin' waste. Residents have told me very clearly that they value the weekly collection of the black bin very highly, especially as most areas across the country have moved to a fortnightly system. That's why I am pleased that we have now agreed a new green waste deal which sees us save £500,000 over its five year period, as part of a system which will see us retain a weekly collection of the black bin and alternating collections of the orange and green bins/bags.

This was the topic of my regular column in the Times and Citizen newspaper this week. If you haven't seen it, here's the article in full:

Last week's Times and Citizen reported the news confirming that weekly black bin collections are here to stay in Bedford Borough. This followed our agreement of a new contract for the disposal of green waste which saves £500,000 over its five years while retaining current collection arrangements. With more and more Councils having moved to a fortnightly system, I am pleased that we are able to continue to offer a weekly collection alongside a comprehensive recycling service.

The reason I am pleased about this is simply because residents tell me how highly they value weekly black bin collections. I have always insisted that if the Council wants to drive up recycling rates it must work with local residents, not try to force changes upon them that they do not want. That's why I fought alongside colleagues against the former County Council's attempts to impose a fortnightly system onto Borough households.

In talking to residents, the message I hear loud and clear is that people want to recycle more while also keeping a weekly black bin collection. The evidence backs this up, with year on year improvements in recycling here in the Borough, although there is still a long way we can go. Less waste sent to landfill means more money saved for the local taxpayer. There are obviously also huge environmental benefits to recycling more, and therefore increased recycling is a win-win situation. That's why I encourage everyone to use the recycling collection scheme, which is one of the most comprehensive and straightforward in the country. There is no requirement to pre-sort recycling and the single large orange bin or bag is a stark contrast to the multi-coloured confusion of boxes and bags for each different material seen in many other areas.

I want to do more to make recycling even easier for people, and that's why we have carried out improvements to facilities at blocks of flats to help residents to take part. We also want to expand the range of materials collected from the doorstep, and are rolling out a battery collection scheme across the borough. Working together, we can help save taxpayers' money and protect our environment for current and future generations.