Investment, Assets & Employment Cabinet Member – Minutes – 11 July 2017

The corresponding report of the following item (Minute 3 refers) contains exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 3 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

3 (3) UPDATE ON RESIDUAL WASTE CONTRACT – The Director: Operations submitted an urgent report updating the Cabinet Member of the arrangements for the collection and disposal of the council’s residual waste, and seeking approval to proceed with a short- term procurement.

On 28 October 2016 the council formally terminated a contract for the collection and disposal of the council’s residual waste. A report considered by the Cabinet Member dated 29 November 2016 advised of the emergency response put in place.

A soft market testing exercise was carried out aimed at ensuring that the council was securing the best value from the emergency arrangements.  It confirmed that the cost of the current landfill solution was in line with other available short-term waste treatment options.  As a result, the decision was taken to continue with the landfill option until a permanent long-term solution could be achieved via a new procurement.

The council was in a position to move forward to procure a long term (10 year contract term) solution.  However, the technology for dealing with various waste streams was advancing rapidly and as a result, might offer opportunities in the near future to derive additional value from our residual municipal waste in terms of securing enhanced environmental benefits. These potential opportunities required further investigation but it was possible these might prove feasible within the timeframe for a long term solution.

Before the council commenced a procurement process to secure a long-term solution, it needed to be clear about long term plans for dealing with waste.  In the meantime, a ‘procurement compliant’ short-term solution for the council’s waste treatment and disposal needs needed to be put in place, including seeking to maximise the amount of waste diverted from landfill.

An urgent decision was requested to allow work to progress in order to secure a permanent solution to appoint a provider to collect, treat and dispose of the council’s residual waste.  In order that EU regulations could be met, the procurement must commence immediately so that a provider was in place by 1 December 2017.

Resolved – (a) That the positive action taken to protect the council’s position, be noted; (b) that the start of the procurement process for a short-term waste solution be approved, and (c) that further reports on progress be submitted to the Cabinet Member.

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