Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: For Determination

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: December 9, 2025

Purpose: This report will set out the recommended approach for delivery of the council’s future waste services, noting that several contracts are due to end in July 2026 following procurement and contract extension negotiations.   The “Future Waste Services Delivery Arrangements” report will pull together and replace numerous individual waste contract reports that were previously referenced on the Forward Work Plan as coming to December meeting of Cabinet.    The overall summary report will provide detail on the financial implications of the recommendations and seeks approval for the extension or award of specific waste contracts

Content: Resolved:   That Cabinet notes:   1)    The updated estimates of Waste Service budget requirements for the 2026/27 to 2028/29 Medium Term Financial Strategy period, including the impact of future waste contract decisions and mitigation opportunities to further reduce future spend.   2)    The updated estimates of capital borrowing requirements for the waste service including associated revenue costs.   That Cabinet approves:   Service delivery proposals:   Proposal 1 – to enter a Deed of Variation of the Mechanical Biological Treatment Contract in 2027 to alter the technology to be used to treat non-recyclable residual waste and to treat food waste offsite using alternative treatment technology.   Proposal 2 – to form a public-to-public Local Authority Trading Company partnership with Participant 1 for the provision of kerbside waste and recycling collection services from 1 August 2026 for an initial term ending 31 March 2034.   Proposal 3 – to form a public-to-public Local Authority Trading Company partnership with Participant 2 for the provision of Material Recovery Facility services from 1 August 2026 for an initial term ending 31 March 2034.   Proposal 4 – to award a contract extension to FCC Waste Services (UK) Ltd for the operation of eight Council-owned Household Recycling Centres for the full duration of the contract term, until 30 July 2034.   Proposal 5 – to not take up the extension option with Hills Waste Services for the provision and operation of two provider owned Household Recycling Centres and close the two sites, Lower Compton and Purton, from August 2026 at the end of the current contract period.?   Proposal 6 – to award a contract extension to Hills Waste Solutions Ltd for the provision and operation of two provider-owned Waste Transfer Stations until 30 June 2033.   Proposal 7 – to award a contract extension to Hills Waste Solutions Ltd for the composting of garden waste for the full duration of the contract term, until 31 July 2034.   Proposal 8 – to award a contract extension to Hills Waste Solutions Ltd for the disposal of non-recyclable residual waste for the full duration of the contract term, until 30 July 2034.   Proposal 9 – That external Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging funding, including confirmed funding for 2025/26 and forecast funding for future years, is to be drawn upon to deliver the waste transformation programme, including but not limited to, mobilisation of new LATCO service agreements, and contract extensions, and delivery of future service changes.   Delegation to the Director, Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate, and Waste to take all steps to finalise the contractual arrangement and to mobilise the future services as set out in Proposals 1 to 8.   Cost mitigation proposals:   Proposal 10 – to retain the current twin stream recycling collection system, with separate glass, and include the statutory introduction of bagged flexible plastics from 2027.   Proposal 11– to delegate to the Director, Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate, and Waste, to gather public feedback in 2026 on a change to the frequency of residual waste collections from fortnightly to three-weekly in 2027.   Proposal 12 – to delegate to the Director, Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate, and Waste, to gather public feedback in 2026 on the closure of Purton and Lower Compton Household Recycling Centres and implementation of an online booking system, for a trial at Stanton St Quintin, Salisbury, Melksham, and Devizes.   Reasons for Decision:   The proposals seek to achieve optimal best value outcomes for the delivery of efficient and effective waste services beyond 2026 whilst adapting to legislative change to ensure continuity of high-profile statutory services.