The decision was approved by the council’s Cabinet at its meeting on 30 June, securing the continuation of household collection services from October 2027.
The extension maintains the existing collection regime for residents. Weekly recycling and food waste collections, alongside fortnightly residual waste collections, will continue throughout the new contract period.
Across the eight-year period, the contract will cost £61 million – £7.5 million in the first year and £7.6 million from year two onwards.
The authority said the decision reflects the strong performance of the current service, with the borough recording a recycling rate that ranks in the top third of local authorities in England.
Missed collections have also remained consistently low, with fewer than 20 missed collections per 100,000.
Councillor Mark Wilson, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, leisure and performance, said: “This is one of the most visible services we provide, and residents expect it to work well every day.
“Our waste service is performing strongly, with very low levels of missed collections and a good recycling rate.
“By extending the contract, we are protecting that reliability while investing in improvements for the future, including the vegetable oil fuelled, lower-emission vehicles.
“This gives residents confidence their service will stay consistent as we work towards a cleaner, greener borough.”
Serco has delivered waste and recycling services for the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead since 2019 under the existing contract.
Contract includes new fleet of waste vehicles
As part of the renewed agreement, Serco will introduce a new fleet of waste collection vehicles.
From the second year of the extension, the fleet will operate using hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), which the council said can reduce carbon emissions by more than 90% compared with conventional diesel.
The council added that the extension provides certainty for residents while supporting its wider environmental ambitions.
Preparations will also continue for upcoming national recycling reforms, including the future introduction of collections for flexible plastics such as food packaging.
Ben Townsend, Serco Contract Manager, added: “Having been a trusted partner of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead since 2019, we are delighted to have been awarded this eight-year extension which enables us to build on the excellent service already provided to residents.
“The dedication and hard work of our crews and support teams have been key to our success, and we would like to pass on our sincere thanks and appreciation for their continued commitment to delivering these essential services.”
The extension is subject to the council’s standard call-in period.
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