To receive a presentation detailing HWRC and Thorn Turn redevelopments and information with regards to Waste Disposal Contracts. Approval is sought that the Executive award the Contract.

The Head of Waste Services delivered a presentation which outlined measures to procure waste disposal services and develop the required waste facilities for the future management of household waste in Central Bedfordshire, securing the necessary contracts and delivering the required infrastructure in order to meet demand.

In light of the presentation Members queried whether landfill tax would impact Council finances and whether collections to green and food waste would be unified across north and south Central Bedfordshire. In response the Head of Waste Services confirmed that the impact of landfill tax on the Council had reduced due to treatments turning black bin waste into fuel rather than going to landfill. There were difficulties in harmonising waste collection across the area due to the prohibitive costs involved.

In response to a Member query the Head of Capital confirmed that although there had been a few complaints during the time the Biggleswade Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) had been closed, the response from residents since the reopening of the site had been wholly positive. The Head of Waste confirmed that HWRC’s would accept more recyclables than they had previously.

NOTED the presentation and the positive outcomes due to the redevelopment of the first HWRC in Biggleswade.