Waste not, want not: Countdown begins for leaner, greener waste service

Southend-on-Sea Borough Council’s new recycling, waste and street cleansing services contractor, Veolia, will start work on the 5th October.

outside view of Shoeburyness Library

Residents should still continue to place their recycling and waste out as normal.

Veolia - who already provide recycling, waste and street cleansing services to numerous local authorities across the UK - were awarded the contract in March 2015 after the Council led an extensive tendering exercise, in which seven companies originally expressed an interest.

The new contract – which is for 15½ years, will enhance and extend Southend’s recycling, waste and street cleansing services while saving around £22m over the lifetime of the contract.

Staff working for the current contractor, Cory, will transfer to Veolia and have already undergone inductions and training.

Key features of the contract include:

  • A dedicated beach cleaning machine
  • Weekly recycling and waste collection services
  • Operation and refurbishment of the Council’s two Household Waste Recycling Centres
  • Street cleaning
  • Gully cleaning and emptying
  • Winter road gritting
  • Cleaning of public toilets
  • Graffiti and flyposting removal
  • Weed spraying and removal
  • Build and operation of the borough’s new Waste Transfer Station
  • Provision for commercial waste services

Cllr Martin Terry, Executive Councillor for Public Protection, Waste & Transport, said: “Recycling, waste and street cleansing services lie at the heart of keeping our Borough clean and attractive for residents and visitors alike.

“Awarding this new contract reinforces our commitment to increased recycling, cleaner beaches, streets and parks, and protects local employment by transferring Cory staff over to Veolia.

“Council officers have been working closely with Veolia and Cory over the past few months to ensure a smooth transition come 5 October. Residents just need to put out their pink recycling sacks, food waste bins and black bin bags on their usual day.

“The Council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres will also continue to operate as usual and we will continue to communicate with local businesses and residents ahead of any work at these sites.”

Estelle Brachlianoff, Senior Executive Vice President of Veolia UK and Ireland, said: "We're excited to start our new partnership with Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, backing the Borough by investing £17 million over the course of the contract. Veolia is committed to delivering increased recycling rates and first class services to those that live and work in Southend-on-Sea."

Published: 25th September 2015

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