Please consider making a tax deductible donation to help the Bedford Food Bank fight food insecurity in our community.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 7, 2026

Bedford DPW Survey Highlights Strong Service and Clear Path to Even Better Resident Experience

The Town of Bedford Department of Public Works (DPW) has reviewed the results of its 2026 Phone and Email System Survey, offering valuable insight into how residents connect with the department and what improvements they want to see next.

The survey, conducted last month, gathered feedback from more than 100 residents and focused on communication preferences, service needs, and opportunities to improve responsiveness and ease of access.

Read the Final Report here. 

Key Takeaways

The results show that Bedford DPW is serving residents well overall. Approximately 65% of respondents reported satisfaction with their phone interactions, and many praised staff for their helpfulness and follow-through.

At the same time, the survey identified clear opportunities to make it easier and faster for residents to get help:

• Phone calls remain the primary way residents reach DPW, especially for urgent or complex concerns. 
• Trash and recycling services and road-related issues, like potholes and snow removal, generate the most inquiries. 
• Residents prefer speaking with a live person, particularly when they are unsure which department to contact. 
• Website navigation and service categories can be confusing, making it harder to report issues quickly. 
• There is strong interest in expanded online options, especially for routine requests like missed pickups. 

What Residents Can Expect Next

Based on this feedback, Bedford DPW will be rolling out a series of improvements designed to make contacting the department simpler, faster, and more intuitive. 

Improved Phone System for Faster AssistanceThe DPW phone menu will be streamlined and updated to reflect how residents actually describe their concerns. Instead of navigating department names, callers will hear clearer, issue-based options such as “Roads and Sidewalks” or “Tree Concern.” These updates will help direct residents to the right staff member more quickly.

A Redesigned, User-Friendly WebsiteThe DPW website will be reorganized with residents in mind, making it easier to find information and complete tasks with fewer clicks. A new, prominent “Report a Problem” feature will allow residents to quickly submit issues online—from potholes to missed trash pickup—without needing to navigate multiple pages or make a unnecessary phone call. Report a Problem is also available any time you need it, so no waiting for the office to open in the morning. Staff will receive your message and respond during business hours. 

Better Balance Between Technology and Personal ServiceWhile expanding digital tools, DPW will continue to prioritize access to live staff. Survey responses made it clear that human support remains essential—especially for urgent issues or unique situations.

Faster Response and Clearer CommunicationAdditional improvements will focus on reducing response times, improving follow-up, and making it easier for residents to know their request has been received and is being addressed.

A Commitment to Continuous Improvement

The DPW thanks all residents who participated in the survey and shared their feedback. These improvements reflect the Town’s ongoing commitment to responsive, resident-focused service.

For updates on these enhancements and other DPW services, residents are encouraged to visit the Town of Bedford website in the coming weeks.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) is pleased to announce the Town of Bedford’s 2026 Annual Paving Program. This annual initiative supports the Town’s ongoing efforts to maintain and improve roadway conditions, enhance public safety, and extend the lifespan of local infrastructure.

Residents can access the most current information regarding the program, including project schedules, affected roadways, and construction updates, by visiting the Town’s dedicated paving program webpage at: https://www.bedfordma.gov/829/Annual-Paving-Program Exact paving schedules are not yet known. Direct abutters will receive hand delivered notice before works is set to begin. The general public will be able to view this information on the paving website as soon as it's available to our staff. 

Residents with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the DPW by email at paving@bedfordma.gov or by phone at (781) 275-7605. Please note that the paving program webpage will serve as the primary source of up-to-date information, and the details posted there reflect the most current updates available to staff.

The DPW also reminds residents that any work impacting the Town’s right-of-way, including driveway repairs or replacements, as well as underground utility connections, must be completed prior to roadway paving. Newly paved roads are subject to a five-year moratorium on excavation, making advance planning essential.

Additional information about right-of-way work and moratorium requirements is available on the paving program webpage or by contacting the Engineering Department at paving@bedfordma.gov.

The Town appreciates residents’ cooperation and patience during construction activities and looks forward to completing another successful paving season.

Contact: Department of Public Workspaving@bedfordma.gov (781) 275-7605

The Department of Veteran Services is hosting a viewing of the Netflix documentary “In Waves and War,” directed by Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk. The film follows three Navy SEALs navigating PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, and their exploration of alternative treatments after traditional options proved unsuccessful.

The event will take place on May 5th at Bedford Town Hall (Reed Room), beginning at 12:00 PM. The schedule is as follows:

• Lunch: 12:00–1:00 PM
• Film Screening: 1:00–3:00 PM
• Presentation to follow by Dr. Elisabeth Parrot, Clinical Psychologist and Director of the VA Readjustment Counseling Service

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Karen Tyler, Veteran Services Director, at ktyler@lexingtonma.gov or (781) 953-3160.

The April 6, 2026 edition of the Town Manager's Report is now available. 

Inside you will find news and information about:

- DPW'S 2026 Annual Paving Program

- Finance Department Property and Excise Tax Notice 

- Health Department Rabies Clinic

- Autism in Adulthood Panel Discussion 

- Strategy Working Sessions 

Along with employees updates, volunteer opportunities, community events and more!

Bedford’s annual Pole Capping event will be taking place on Saturday, April 11, 2026 beginning at 10:30 a.m. The location of the event is Willson Park (located at the intersection of The Great Road/Concord Road/North Road), with a procession of Minutemen proceeding and following the activities.  

On April 11^th, for the safety of the public, The Great Road will be closed to traffic between Willson Park and Springs/South Road from approximately 10:15 a.m. to noon. Traffic will be detoured around the event. No parking will be allowed between 1AM-Noon on The Great Road between the South/Springs Road intersection and the Great Road and Concord/North Road intersection. Vehicles parked in that area during the parking ban will be subject to removal via towing. Please plan accordingly. 

Spring Cleaning Starts Outdoors: Plan Ahead for Yard Waste Season

As the weather warms up, many residents turn their attention to spring cleaning and that often begins right in the yard. 

Mark Your Calendar: Curbside Yard Waste Collection

Bedford’s annual spring curbside yard waste collection begins the week of April 27. Pickup starts at 6AM on your regular trash day, with one truck servicing the entire town throughout the week until all routes are complete.

This collection is for yard waste only, including:

• Leaf litter and pine needles
• Grass clippings and general yard trimmings
• Weeds and small tree material (up to 1" in diameter)

All material should be placed at the curbside, horizontal to the road edge, in paper leaf bags or open barrels without lids. The contractor will not collect material that is not at the road edge. Material in plastic bags will be left behind. 

Please note that Christmas trees and brush are not accepted as part of this program. Residents should bring this material directly to the Bedford Recycling Center.

If you experience a missed collection, use the Recycle Coach web tool or mobile app (available on Google Play or Apple App store). Missed yard waste collection must be reported to the DPW no later than Thursday May 7.

Year-Round Option: The BRC

For more flexibility, residents can also use the Bedford Recycling Center (BRC), 108 Carlisle Road, open year-round on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The BRC is available to Bedford residents only. Resident sticker or proof of residency is required. Commercial loads and non-residents are not permitted.

At the BRC:

• Yard waste can be placed in designated composting windrows
• Place brushy material and Christmas trees in the brush pile
• Logs have a separate drop-off area

As a bonus, wood chips and finished compost produced on-site are often available free of charge for residents, on a first come, first served basis. 

A Quick Note on Stormwater Protection

Proper yard waste disposal isn’t just about convenience — it also helps protect Bedford’s waterways. Leaves, grass, and debris left in streets or near storm drains can wash into the stormwater system, contributing to flooding and water pollution. Keeping yard waste contained and using approved disposal options supports the town’s stormwater compliance efforts and keeps local waterways clean.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFebruary 2, 2026

From Scraps to Impact: How Bedford Is Diverting Over 222,000 Pounds of Food Waste Each Year—One Small Change at a Time

Bedford, MA – Small actions taken at home can lead to big results for the entire community. In Bedford, hundreds of residents are proving that separating food scraps from the trash is a simple change that delivers powerful environmental benefits.

Through composting, Bedford households are reducing the amount of waste sent for incineration and transforming food scraps into a valuable resource. The Town of Bedford Department of Public Works (DPW) offers several programs to make participation easy, affordable, and accessible for all residents.

Curbside Composting: A Simple Change with Big Results

Bedford’s curbside food waste collection program is offered through a public-private partnership with Black Earth Compost, made possible by a generous grant from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP).

Since the program launched on December 1, 2025, 60 new households have joined—bringing Bedford’s total to 433 participating households. On average, each household diverts 9.51 pounds of food waste from the trash. Together, Bedford residents are keeping an impressive 214,127 pounds of food waste out of the incinerator every year! 

And this is just the beginning. DPW’s goal is to reach 1,000 households, doubling Bedford’s collective impact.

Why Join?

Participating in curbside composting is easy and rewarding

• Weekly or bi-weekly curbside pickup of food scraps for less than the cost of 1 weekly overflow trash bag
• Free starter kit from DPW, including a curbside bin, countertop kitchen bin, and compostable liners
• $20 annual utility rebate for households that subscribe to the service

Every banana peel, coffee filter, and leftover meal adds up. When one household composts, it matters—but when hundreds do, the results are transformative. 

👉 Be part of the movement. Sign up for curbside service at: www.blackearthcompost.com

More Ways to Make an Impact

Curbside service isn’t the only option for diverting your food waste from the trash. DPW offers additional programs to meet residents where they are:

• Free food waste drop-off at the Bedford Recycling Center (BRC). Simply pre-register on the Town website so DPW can ensure there is space for everyone. 
• Subsidized backyard compost bins available for purchase at the DPW Building, 314 Great Road. $45 each. 

No matter the method, every pound of food waste diverted helps reduce trash volume and supports a more sustainable Bedford.

Call to Action

Give composting a try for just one month. That’s thirty days to see if sorting your food from the trash is worthwhile. 

It’s as easy as visiting www.blackearthcompost.com to select the month-to-month option - DPW will deliver your starter kit within 1-2 business days - and then scraping your after dinner plate waste or morning coffee grounds into the free counter top container. Empty this indoor container as often as needed in the free wheeled cart meant to keep outside next to your trash cart. On trash day, wheel your carts to the curbside for convenient pickup. 

We think you’ll find that your trash cart is lighter and less smelly than before, sorting your food waste is easier than you thought and that your household really does generate enough food waste to make a difference. 

Give it a shot - Try composting for one month!

Frequently Asked Questions About Food Waste Composting

Is composting difficult?Not at all. Most participants find that separating food scraps quickly becomes part of their daily routine, especially with a small countertop bin in the kitchen.

What food waste is accepted? What about other compostable items? If it once was alive - you can compost it! All food scraps can be composted, including fruits, vegetables, meat, bones, shells, dairy, bread, eggshells, and coffee grounds. Pet bedding from birds, guinea pigs or rabbits is also acceptable as well as hair and fur. Napkins and paper towels (without chemical cleaners) are accepted, too. See the full list here. 

Will composting smell or attract pests?Properly used bins with tight-fitting lids minimize odors and pests. Using compostable liners and keeping bins closed helps, and many residents store food scraps in the freezer until pickup day. 

What happens to the food waste?Food scraps collected at the curb are transported to Black Earth’s composting facility in Groton, MA where the material is processed and turned into nutrient-rich compost that improves soil and supports local agriculture.

One household’s choice to compost may seem small—but together, Bedford residents are proving that small changes add up to meaningful community-wide impact. DPW invites all residents to join the growing composting movement and help reach the next milestone.

From scraps to impact—your participation makes the difference.

It is a film about 3 Navy Seals whose PTSD and traumatic brain injuries has led them to seek treatment through psychedelics after traditional options were unsuccessful. This event will include lunch 12:00PM-1:00PM, film screening 1:00PM-3:00PM, and then a presentation by Dr. Elisabeth Parrot from 3PM-4PM. Dr. Parrot is a clinical psychologist and Director of the VA Readjustment Counseling Service. The event will be taking place on May 5^th starting at 12:00 at Bedford Town Hall’s Reed Room. Please contact Karen Tyler, Veteran Services Director ktyler@lexingtonma.gov or by phone (781)953-3160 to RSVP.

The Parents Diversity Council and Bedford Youth and Family Services (BYFS) will be hosting the 4th Annual Pride Event on Sunday, June 8^th 2025 from 2PM-4PM at the Bedford Town Common. If you would like to host a table, volunteer, or help with setup/cleanup, please use the link below to sign up.

Parents Diversity Council: 4th Annual Bedford Pride Celebration

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Mallory Fuller, Youth Services Coordinator, at mfuller@bedfordma.gov.