Wirral Council has awarded a new contract for bin collection and street cleansing to Biffa Waste Services Ltd, with the deal potentially lasting until 2043 and worth up to £348.6m. The initial contract is for eight years, with an option to extend by another eight. The council provides services to approximately 153,000 households in the borough.
The current contract with Biffa, in place since 2006, is set to end in August 2027. The new contract was approved by the council's policy and resources committee after referral from the environment, climate emergency and transport committee following two years of scrutiny.
Four companies initially expressed interest in the contract, including Biffa and three others. The field was reduced to a shortlist of Biffa and another company, which later withdrew from the procurement process, leaving Biffa as the sole bidder.
Depot purchase agreed
In addition to the contract award, the committee authorised the council's director of operations to negotiate and finalise terms for the council to buy the Dock Road South depot from Biffa. Once the council owns the site, Biffa will continue to operate at the depot under a lease.
Councillors' views
Discussing the contract during the committee meeting, Cllr Steve Foulkes said: "My belief is that what we've got on the table is excellent." He added: "One of the services every single individual receives and judges us on is the refuse contract."
Cllr Jo Bird asked officers on what basis the contract would be reviewed after eight years, when the council would decide whether to activate the option for a further eight years. She was told the performance and value for money of the service would be assessed.
