New contract for bin collections in Peterborough seeks to boost below target recycling rates

Peterborough City Council’s cabinet is set to agree on Monday, December 18, to terminate its contract with Amey which currently collects waste and provides a range of environmental and street cleaning services in the city.

The council says recycling rates are at 45 per cent, below the 60 per cent target set for Amey.

A replacement for the Amey contract will now be sought, with the expectation that a new service will be in place for autumn 2018.

Cllr Gavin Elsey, cabinet member for waste and street scene, said: “I would like to thank Amey for its commitment to providing services for the residents of Peterborough during the past five years.

“However, it has been clear for some time that our contract is no longer meeting either of our needs and is no longer compatible with the tough financial landscape we are operating in.

“A key driver for the proposal is the council’s current recycling performance, which does not meet the targets set out in the contract. Recycling rates currently sit at 45 per cent and our target is 60 per cent.

“If this proposal is approved we will look to split up the contract and offer it to different providers in a bid to get better value for money in these areas, more control and greater opportunity to generate income.

“Regardless of what happens, residents should be assured that the continuation of these services and a smooth transfer will be key factor for us in making any decision.

“We are also aware that this will be an uncertain time for Amey’s staff and we are committed to working with Amey as they consult with staff on any proposed changes if cabinet and council approves the termination of the existing contract.”

The council first announced in January that it was intending to end the Amey contract, but the termination of the deal will only now take place.

The contract covers:

. Refuse, street cleansing and vehicle workshops

. Parks trees and open spaces

. Property maintenance and property cleaning

. Community link and home to school transport

. Catering.

The council entered into a 23-year contract with Enterprise Managed Services in March 2011 to deliver these services. The partnership then transferred to Amey in 2013 when it bought Enterprise.

The council said any new arrangement will give it more control over how services are provided and ensure that a percentage of any income generated is returned to the authority to protect key local services for residents.