Decision details

Delegated authority to the Cabinet Member for Environment to approve the award of a new contractual arrangement for the receipt and processing of Dry Recyclate delivered to KCC’s Transfer Stations by Collection Authorities in Mid and West Kent.

Reason for the decision

·         The current contract which commenced 4th July 2016, has seen two extension periods; One to the 3rd July 2020 and extended again for an additional 12 months to 3rd July 2021 under the Procurement Policy Note 01/20: Responding to COVID-19. The current extension expires on 3^rd July 2021 and to ensure KCC’s statutory obligations are met as the Waste Disposal Authority and provide continuity of service, a commissioning activity is required.

Background

·         As the Waste Disposal Authority, KCC has a statutory responsibility to dispose of waste collected by the Waste Collection Authorities, one of which is Dry Mixed Recycling (DMR) – co-mingled (Paper and Card, Cans, Plastics and Glass).

·         In taking receipt and processing this waste, it is sorted and separated at a Materials Recycling Facility and each separated material is recycled into new products.

·         KCC Waste Management currently operates a contract with Viridor Waste Management Limited (ref. SS15105) for the processing of household co-mingled mixed dry recyclable materials that are collected from households by Waste Collection Authorities within Kent.

·         It is envisioned that the commission will be presented in one lot and sourced via KCS’s framework for the ‘Supply of Waste Management Services’ (ref. Y21003) and will include the provision for managing circa 66,107 tonnes of DMR.

·         The contract is expected to commence on the 4^th July 2021, for a duration of 27 months to 29^th September 2023, (with an additional 12 month extension if required) to align with the cessation of an existing Dry Recycling contract that covers a different recyclate mix of other Waste Collection Authorities.

Options(other options considered but discarded)

·         Option 1 - Do nothing – the current arrangements will elapse; this is not an option as this will result in KCC’s failure to meet its statutory requirements as the Waste Disposal Authority for making a disposal provision.

·         Option 2 - Continue to accept the waste, but utilise alternative disposal options by using landfill or incineration; this is not an option as there is a desire to move this material up the waste hierarchy and to meet landfill diversion targets. These are also more expensive options, and incinerating recyclate is not a desired outcome for KCC.

·         Option 3 – Discontinue accepting the DMR waste from the Collection Authorities; this is not an option due to KCC’s obligation to take this waste as the Waste Disposal Authority.

·         Option 4 - Undertake a commissioning activity to secure a provider who is able to treat and utilise the waste material meeting the circular economy desired outcomes and is both financially and environmentally beneficial for the Authority, demonstrating best value for Kent residents.

Preferred option:

Option 4 is the preferred option. The authority is seeking to appoint a new Provider to secure a contract (for up to 39 months) that will benefit and achieve the best outcomes for the authority and Kent households and fulfil the Statutory duty of KCC operating under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, to dispose of collected municipal waste.

The commission of this contract will meet Kent CC’s Strategic Statement 2015 – 2020 regarding the following outcomes:

·         Kent communities feel the benefits of economic growth by being in work, healthy and enjoying a good quality of life.

The vision is to focus on improving lives by ensuring every pound spent in Kent is delivering better outcomes for Kent’s residents, communities and business.

Decision:

As Cabinet Member for Environment, I agree to give approval to commission and award a contract for the receipt and processing of Dry Mixed Recycling for Mid and West Kent for up to 39 months.