ESA calls for reduction in bidding costs for council contracts

In a manifesto aimed at the next Parliament, the association, which represents most of the UK's waste management industry, says that a dramatic reduction in the cost of tendering for public sector
contracts is essential. The call comes in the wake of rising costs for tender preparation, especially when bids are required for large integrated waste management contracts such as Surrey and Sheffield.

The ESA also says that when its members are asked to make susbtantial investments in infrastcuture, “contracts must offer adequate duration, return on investment and stability.”
ESA chief executive Dirk Hazell explained: “The manifesto is the core of a constructive set of policies for the next parliament. The next parliament could enable very substantial development of a more sustainable waste and secondary resource management industry in the UK. This development is necessary if the UK is to comply with its obligations under EU Directives.

“It is clear from ESA's manifesto that this industry welcomes the significant challenge this presents and wants to be enabled to deliver even higher standards of environmental protection. We have outlined positive financial, regulatory and legal priorities to achieve these objectives.”

The full text can be seen at: ESA manifesto and key points include:

• management of hazardous wastes to Final Storage Quality (a stable and safe state) at the earliest practicable opportunity
• a more rigorous standard of environmental protection than is required by the Landfill Directive but considered essential by ESA on environmental grounds

tougher sanctions against environmental criminals

• full funding of the National Waste Strategies
• a planning system which will allow next-generation composting and recycling plants to be built promptly
• and
  a dramatic reduction in the cost of tendering for public sector
  contracts.