Tunbridge Wells Borough Council and Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council jointly awarded the contract to the waste management company – which is the council’s current provider.
The new contract is set to begin for an initial 12-year term from 1 April 2027.
Martin Coffin, Deputy Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Waste and Technical Services at Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said: “Because the contract has been awarded to the existing contractor, residents will see no disruption to their services.
“Instead, we can focus on continuing the great work we have been doing to increase recycling and reduce our carbon footprint.”
The service already meets the Simpler Recycling requirements and therefore there will be no major changes to the service.
The recycling and waste contract is the largest jointly commissioned service delivered by the councils.
FCC said that transition and mobilisation work will now begin, with a strong focus on “continuity, customer communication and maintaining high service standards for residents”.
Procurement process
FCC ranked highest of all bidders in the procurement process, achieving the strongest overall score against a 60% price and 40% quality evaluation.
These criteria were approved by relevant councillors in March 2025.
The procurement process followed the Competitive Flexible Procedure, which included early supplier market engagement.
Brian Ashby, Head of Municipal Collections and Streetscene at FCC Environment, said: “We’re pleased to continue our long-standing partnership with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council through this new contract.
“Being reappointed reflects the strength of our existing service, our people on the ground, and our shared commitment to delivering reliable, high-quality services for residents.
“We now look forward to working closely with both councils through mobilisation and beyond to maintain and improve services for local communities.”
Introduction of HVO fuel
The renewed contract will see the introduction of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel to collection vehicles.
Councillor Rob Wormington, Cabinet member for Environment and Sustainability, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, said: “This new contract gives us the opportunity to deliver the introduction of HVO fuel, which will significantly reduce carbon emissions whilst offering clear benefits for vehicle performance.
“Further reductions in our carbon footprint continue to be a key priority.
“We’re also pleased to be building on an established track record, and we look forward to maintaining a strong and productive partnership with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and FCC Environment in delivering high-quality services for our residents.”
The council is said to have reduced its contract carbon emissions by 21% since 2018/19.
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