In July 2003, Viridor was selected as preferred bidder from the 12 companies who entered the tender procedure for the contract (see letsrecycle.com story).
The council is now waiting to receive 25 million in Private Finance Initiative credits from the government before the contract is signed. The contract is due to commence in 2004.
In 2001-2002, West Sussex achieved a recycling rate of 20% but to meet the criteria for PFI support, the council has set a recycling target of 45% of household waste by 2015. The council has also included 'significant' financial penalties if the recycling and composting targets are not met by the waste management firm.
Steve Waight, cabinet member for strategic planning and environment, said: “This is a very exciting contract which includes many innovative features that will transform the way we handle waste in West Sussex and help us meet the stringent targets which the government has laid down for recycling and composting.”
The recycling and waste handling contract was developed in partnership between the county council and all seven district and boroughs, responsible for collection waste.
Mr Waight said: “Our colleagues from the districts and boroughs have worked closely with us over the preparation of this contract and it will form the basis for a much closer partnership and working arrangement between all the local authorities. Our residents will start to see a real difference after the new contract starts next April.”
Under the contract, Viridor will become responsible for the county's civic amenity sites which it plans to improve and expand to create household waste recycling sites. The waste management company will also invest into constructing a new materials recovery facility (MRF) to replace the existing Sompting plant when its temporary planning permission expires in December, 2006.
As part of its work to raise public awareness, Viridor plans to build an education centre at its new MRF and to consult local communities before submitting planning applications for site improvements and new facilities.
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