Waste giant Biffa Waste Services is set to secure a £174m renewal of its contract to provide waste collection, recycling and street cleaning in Wirral. Tony McDonough reports
Wirral Council will be asked to approve a £174m contract for waste collection, recycling and street cleaning in the borough for at least the next eight years.
It is recommended the contract be awarded to Biffa Waste Services, which has been providing waste services to Wirral since 2006. This recommendation to councillors follows a detailed review and competitive tendering process.
Councillors on the Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee for Wirral Council will be asked to approve the eight-year contract – with the option to extend for up to a further eight years – starting on August 27, 2027.
Alongside the contract award, the report also sets out proposals to invest in key operational infrastructure to support service delivery. This includes plans to upgrade the Dock Road South depot to ensure it meets the requirements of the new contract.
Members will also be asked to authorise the director of operations to progress negotiations to purchase the depot, which would enable the council to secure a long-term operational base for waste and street cleaning services.
The council said: “This approach reflects careful financial planning and delivers value for money over the life of the contract.
“The proposed acquisition would be based on the depot’s current market value, ensuring the council does not pay for future improvements twice and maximising the benefit of the planned investment.
“Providing a suitable depot facility was identified as an important requirement during the procurement process to ensure a fair and consistent basis for bidders.
This new contract will cost around £21.8m a year, reflecting current service requirements, with total costs over the initial term estimated at approximately £174m.
When borrowing and associated costs are included, the total annual investment is estimated at £24.1m.
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Wirral commissioned Eunomia Research and Consulting, an independent environmental consultancy with extensive experience in waste and resource management, to assess future service delivery options.
Wirral Council currently provides waste and recycling collections to around 147,000 households.