UK’s first waste framework invites tenders for £1.7bn of services

Set to generate collective savings of £85m over four years, the framework will seek to procure waste management services on behalf of 141 named authorities. Some 24 suppliers have been invited to bid for service solutions.

The framework has been developed and will be managed by iESE, working in partnership with the London Waste & Recycling Board (LWARB) and with assistance of WRAP, West Midlands IEP and Keep Britain Tidy.

The range of services to be offered by the framework fall under four key areas – recycling and waste collection, street cleansing, ground maintenance and bulky waste collection. The framework will utilise seven lots, which will enable local authorities to call off the combination of services they require from the categories.

Once in place, the framework will be open for four years from April 2012 for use by the authorities, who can place call-off contracts individually or in partnership, appointing a single contractor for up to 10 years.

iESE chairman Cllr Paul Bettison said: “With waste management accounting for over £3bn of public sector spend annually, the framework will start to leverage savings for both councils and contractors in the procurement process, and ultimately lead to more effective services.”

Eearly adopter authorities are currently working with iESE and partners to get ready for going to mini-competition in May 2012. The framework could potentially shape the waste management market by developing a solution that will provide value for money, benchmarked service costs and economies of scale.

Maxine Perella