The future of waste collections and disposals in Calderdale has been discussed by Calderdale Council’s Cabinet.
At the meeting of Cabinet on Monday 14 July, it was agreed that the procurement process for new waste arrangements needed to begin shortly, and that the process should move forward.
The current contracts for waste collection and waste treatment are both due to expire in the next two years. The Council is looking at the future plans for both the services now, to ensure there is plenty of time for procurement processes.
In 2008, the contract for waste and recycling collections, transport to disposal points and operation of the Household Waste Recycling Centres was awarded to SITA (UK) Ltd. This contract is due to expire in 2016.
Since 2008 there have been major changes in the way waste is collected, and Calderdale now has one of the highest recycling rates in the country. It’s proposed that the new contract would involve a lesser degree of change, and the Council will now look at who is best placed to deliver future provisions in the borough.
After waste is collected, it is transferred into larger vehicles at Calderdale’s waste shed, before being transported to waste disposal facilities elsewhere. Due to the limited storage capacity at this site, it is essential that a fast, reliable waste management and disposal system exists.
It was originally planned that a joint waste treatment facility would be built in partnership with Bradford Council, and would be fully operational by 2016. However, following the withdrawal of funding from DEFRA for this project, it is now necessary for both councils to make other waste arrangements. The interim short-term contracts put in place before the collapse of the joint project are due to expire in 2015, so a firmer solution now needs to be found.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Environment, Cllr Barry Collins, said:
“The time has come where we need to look at the future of waste services in Calderdale. This is an issue which affects every household in the borough, so it’s important that we get it right.
“We’re starting this process now, so we can take time assessing all of the information and considering a number of options before making a decision.”
The Council will now look at advertising the contracts for both waste collection services and for the treatment of municipal waste. The procurement process for both contracts is due to begin in September this year.