The Birmingham-based company will become responsible for running the collections in October 2011 when the councils existing deal with Veolia, which began in 2002, expires.
Portsmouth voted to award Biffa the deal which has the option to be extended for a further two years – at a cabinet meeting last month (March 7) as part of plans to achieve over 1 million-a-year savings on its kerbside waste and recycling collection.
Commenting on the contract award, Paul Fielding, assistant head of transport and street management (environment) at the council, said: New contractors Biffa will provide not only a cost-effective service but one which will hopefully see a dramatic reduction in carbon emissions thanks to their commitment to providing a greener service.
While the value of the contract has not been disclosed, the council said that Biffa offered a very competitive tender and planned to achieve the 1 million-a-year savings through more efficient working. Biffa also plans to run its collection vehicles on a fuel made from recycled waste oil.
Service
Biffa will continue to operate the councils current system of weekly residual waste collections and fortnightly dry recyclable collections. Currently residents can recycle paper, card, plastic bottles and food and drinks cans in a 240 litre green wheeled bin.
The waste management company also intends to introduce a garden waste collection service in 2012, which will be known as the Green Waste Club. Residents will be able to sign up to the service online for the collection of green waste material that cannot be composted at home.
Pete Dickinson, development director at Biffa, said: Were looking forward to providing a flexible and efficient service to the residents of Portsmouth.
Together with Portsmouth city council, were confident we can improve the citys recycling rate based upon our experience from working with other local authorities who are amongst the highest performers in the country.
Documents discussed at the council cabinet meeting on March 7 2011 reveal that the council had assessed the possibility of jointly procuring a collection contract with another council but this was dismissed.
The option of delivering the service in-house was also dismissed, on the grounds of cost and risk.
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