The new contract will begin on 29 June 2026 and has been designed with flexibility in mind ahead of potential local government reorganisation and future legislative changes.
The agreement has a minimum term of eight years, with the option to extend up to a maximum of 16 years. A break clause after four years has also been included.
The new contract has an annual cost of £16 million, with the total cost amounting to £259.6 million if the maximum 16 years is completed.
While the councils said there are no major changes currently planned to household waste collection services, the contract will support preparations for the government’s 2027 Simpler Recycling reforms, which will allow residents to recycle soft plastics.
One of the operational changes under the new deal will be a proposed move to a new council-owned vehicle depot, alongside the introduction of a new dry mixed recycling transfer station contract.
South Oxfordshire District Council cabinet member for environment, Sue Cooper, said: “Our waste partnership has been successful over the last 16 years – and I’m proud of the fact it has played a big role in setting us amongst the top recycling areas in the country, which is also thanks to the great effort made by our residents.
“I’d like to congratulate Biffa for coming out of the robust procurement process as the preferred contractor.
“We clearly need to have an eye on the future reorganisation of councils when making contract decisions, but a contract of this magnitude couldn’t be delayed so it has a range of flexible options built into it, to reflect the potential future needs of a new council structure, whatever that may look like.”
‘Amongst the best recycling districts in England’
Both authorities among England’s top recycling performers for more than a decade, with South Oxfordshire ranking third place in the 2024/25 Defra statistics.
Vale of White Horse District Council cabinet member for environmental services and waste, Robert Clegg, added: “Throughout our successful partnership with Biffa, we’ve been amongst the best recycling districts in England.
“I’m pleased we are in a position to continue this partnership by securing a new contract, which is flexible enough to accommodate any future needs following local government reorganisation, as well as updates to future government legislation.
“With the new contract secured and our Waste Strategy in place, I look forward to us achieving even greater results with our focus on reusing items and avoiding waste.”
Steve Cole, managing director at Biffa Municipal, said the company was “very proud and honoured” to continue its partnership with the councils.
He added: “We look forward to supporting the councils and their residents in preparation for changes in law over the next few years, working together to provide quality collection services and cleaner streets for residents and visitors alike.”
The councils’ existing shared contract with Biffa currently runs until June 2026 after being extended by two years in 2024.
The partnership has operated for 16 years in South Oxfordshire and 15 years in Vale of White Horse.
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