Decision details

Discussion:

The Assistant Director for Frontline Services, along with a representative from Eversheds consultants, gave a presentation to Members on the process of renewing the contracts for waste collection and disposal services and information on how the bidders were scored and who had been the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT).

Members were then invited to make comments and ask officers questions, which included:

·               Concern, from some Members, that the papers for this report were sent out late, as a matter of urgency, and had not given Members sufficient time to fully digest the report and associated paperwork.

·               wheeled bins being provided to inappropriate households and assurance that suitable, alternative receptacles would be provided to properties that could not accommodate wheeled bins;

·               Concern that the blue boxes (for dry recyclables other than paper and card which would be collected into a plastic sack) would not be large enough;

·               The collection MEAT bidder had stated they would use an existing depot for the first 18 months and then work from its own site within Medway – concern was raised over licensing and planning permission for the new site;

·               Procurement costs to the Council;

·               Litter clearing of alleyways and whether those with the biggest litter problems and highest footfall could be added to the contract.

In response officers confirmed that wheeled bins would be issued to suitable properties 12 months from start of contract, allowing time for policies on their distribution to be developed and agreed by the Council. Ward Members would be involved in deciding which roads received wheeled bins. In relation to alternative receptacles households would still be able to supplement the containers issued with their own containers in the form of carrier bags, cardboard boxes and the Council would still have the option to issue additional blue sacks. In relation to the new site, confirmation was given that this was an existing facility. Officers also undertook to look at alleyway cleansing with Members.

Decision:

The Committee recommended the following to Cabinet on 30 March 2010:

(a)               Disposal of residual waste

                  The award of the contract for disposal of residual waste to Company B as the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT)

(b)               Collection of residual waste and recycling and street cleansing service

            The award of the contract for the collection/cleansing service to Bidder 1 Variant as the most economically advantageous tender (MEAT).