Residents back ambitious Waste Strategy for a cleaner, greener future
Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Councillors approved the new Waste Strategy 2026-2051 at its Executive meeting last night (Tuesday 6 January).
The strategy sets out our objectives to reduce waste, increase ‘reuse, recycling and composting’, and ensure cost efficient and compliant services.
During September and October 2025, residents, councillors, town and parish councils, and local groups shared feedback online, at six in-person library events, an online session, and through the Youth Parliament, where the key themes of the draft strategy were discussed.
Almost 750 responses were received with 89% of participants agreeing with the strategy’s 3 core objectives:
- Cutting non-recyclable waste
- Boosting reuse, recycling and composting
- Delivering cost-efficient, compliant services
Feedback strongly supported improving reuse and recycling opportunities at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) and working closely with local communities to reduce waste.
Central Bedfordshire already performs well: recycling, reusing or composting 46% of household waste, and converting most black bin waste into energy. The new strategy sets out how we can do even better, with a clear vision for the future and practical steps to get there.
Councillor Tracey Wye, our Executive Member for Sustainability and Climate Resilience, said:
Thank you to everyone who shared their ideas and feedback. Your input has helped us create a waste strategy that is ambitious but realistic. It has been shaped by the views of our residents and key partners and reflects what they have told us — including preventing waste in the first place and making recycling as easy and effective as possible.
This will help us tackle rising costs and environmental challenges. By reducing reliance on landfill and energy from waste, we aim to protect both the planet and residents’ pockets.
Everyone can play their part in better waste management — each small action combines to create a big difference. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener Central Bedfordshire.
Our website has detailed information about what can, and can’t, be recycled through kerbside waste and recycling collections, as well as practical advice on reducing waste.