In January 2016 the authority announced that under a new contract, Hills from August 2017 would continue to run its household recycling centres and would additionally handle waste collection work, including the collection of dry recyclables. However, the announcement was qualified by the statement that a contract could not be confirmed until a ten day standstill period had passed (see letsrecycle.com story).
A statement is expected shortly from Wiltshire as to whether issues were raised during the standstill period.
Today (1 August) it was confirmed that FCC Environment has been appointed to run the HWRCs rather than Hills Waste Solutions, selected last year (Hills is the incumbent contractor). However, Hills has been awarded the collection services contract.
In its announcement today, Wiltshire council said it “formally confirmed which contractors will be running their household recycling centres and delivering waste collection and recycling services in the future – which will mean Wiltshire residents can recycle more and in a simpler way.”
Legal
And, the authority confirmed there had been legal reasons in the delay to the contract announcements but did not explain why the original announcement had changed.
The authority said: “The formal confirmation had been delayed due to legal reasons, but these have now been resolved and the council is able to confirm that FCC Environment will run the council’s household recycling centres, and Hills Waste Solutions will provide its waste and recycling collection services.”
Wiltshire council added: “The transfer of operations of the nine council-owned recycling centres to FCC Environment will take place on 2 October 2017. FCC Environment will work with the council and Hills Waste Solutions, the incumbent contractor, to ensure a smooth transition. FCC Environment plan to carry out a phased programme of site improvements over the coming months with work expected to be completed by the end of the year. Details of the timetable of improvement works will be confirmed soon with the aim of causing a minimum amount of disruption to residents.”
Transition
And, the authority concluded: “The new waste and recycling collection contract commences from 30 July 2018 and the council will be working closely with Hills Waste Solutions to ensure a smooth transition. When the new service begins people will receive a simplified recycling service, with black boxes to be used solely for glass collection and blue lidded bins able to take all other recyclables, including a wider selection of plastics and food and drink cartons. Residents will be informed of all the details about the new service in the coming months.”
Delighted
Bridget Wayman, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for waste services, said: “I am delighted we have now confirmed these contracts and we can get on with the job of improving our waste and recycling services for residents.
“We already have great working relationships with both Hills Waste Solutions and FCC Environment and they are both as committed as we are to providing the best possible service.
“The good news for Wiltshire residents is they will be able to recycle even more and in a simpler way. We’ll make sure people have all the information they need about the new services over the coming months.”
Reactions
Mike Hill, chief executive Hills Group, said: “We are extremely pleased to be continuing our existing 21-year relationship with Wiltshire Council. However, we are disappointed that this will no longer extend to the nine council-owned HRC sites that Hills has successfully provided to Wiltshire Council and its residents in the past. We will work with the council and the incoming contractor to assist with a smooth transition of these services in early October 2017.”
A spokesperson for FCC Environment said: “We have been delivering collections services in West Wiltshire for 10 years now and we have a successful and proven track record. We are pleased with the contract announcement made by Wiltshire Council and are looking forward to continue working in partnership to deliver the operation and management of the nine council-owned recycling centres from 2 October 2017.”
TUPE
Hills’ affected by the HWRC award are to be transferred to FCC under TUPE arrangements, said the council. However, while FCC Environment will run the nine Wiltshire HWRCs, Hills will still continue to run two HWRCs which it owns.
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