The contract signing ceremony took place at the Civic Offices on Wednesday, December 17, four months after Serco was named preferred bidder for the deal (see letsrecycle.com story).
Serco is planning to introduce a number of “service improvements” to boost recycling rates in Milton Keynes to above 50%, including joint food and garden waste collections from next summer.
The council told letsrecycle.com that it was currently procuring for facilities to take the organic waste material.
Milton Keynes councillor Chris Williams said: “The signing of this contract marks a huge step forward for Milton Keynes. As part of this contract we will see in the summer 2009 the introduction of a combines garden and food waste collection service to all homes in the city. We look forward to a long and fruitful joint venture over coming years.”
Serco integrated services chief executive, Mike Brown, added: “This contract represents the beginning of a very exciting partnership for Serco.
“We have been most encouraged by the collaborative approach of the council, which I am certain will result in the provision of an excellent service to the people of Milton Keynes.”
Serco explained that service improvements would also include the use of “green” vehicles as well as devising more environmentally friendly collection routes. It will also be working closely with the council on promotional activities, to encourage residents to reduce, reuse and recycle their waste.
Tender
The contract with Serco is one of three contracts which have been put out for tender by Milton Keynes in recent months.
In November, the council was awarded £138 million in PFI credits towards a contract to develop residual waste treatment facilities in partnership with Northamptonshire county council (see letsrecycle.com story) and in September it shortlisted six firms to run its materials recycling facility (see letsrecycle.com story).
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