Purpose

The Council has already confirmed through its future waste disposal procurement arrangements that the Huddersfield MRF will not form part of the long-term service delivery model beyond the current contract period. Reasons for this were outlined in the Simpler Recycling for Kirklees Cabinet Report - September 2025, Section 3.

As these details are now in the public domain, there is a risk of operational disruption and increased staffing costs. To mitigate these risks, SUEZ have proposed a consultation with staff to consider alternative arrangements.

The purpose of this decision is therefore not to determine the future operation of the facility as a matter for SUEZ, but to establish the Council's position regarding the contractual and operational arrangements that would apply should SUEZ, following completion of its consultation process, decide to cease operation of the facility prior to contract expiry.

The alternative option to this decision would be to not commence consultation and is likely to lead to future disruption and potential increased contractual cost to the Council.

Background information

Links to cabinet reports:

2024-04-09+Waste+Disposal+Contract+Procurement+-+Cabinet+Report.pdf

Simpler Recycling for Kirklees Cabinet Report 09 September 2025.pdf

Decision

The Executive Director for Place, in agreement with the Service Director (Finance) and the Service Director (Legal and Governance), having considered the operational, financial, contractual and legal implications of SUEZ's proposal regarding the Huddersfield Materials Recycling Facility (MRF), resolves to:

1. Support in principle SUEZ's proposal to consult with staff on alternative operational arrangements for the processing and recycling of Kirklees commingled material. This could include utilisation of alternative processing arrangements, as the Council's preferred operational option, subject to the safeguards and conditions set out below. Authorise officers to progress and conclude the contractual, legal and operational arrangements necessary to facilitate implementation of the proposal should SUEZ determine, following completion of its employee consultation process and consideration of the outcomes of that process, that it wishes to proceed with closure of the Kirklees MRF.
2. Confirm that any implementation of the proposal shall be subject to:
   • completion of SUEZ's employee consultation process;
   • completion of all necessary contractual documentation;
   • confirmation of satisfactory service continuity arrangements;
   • maintenance of contractual performance requirements and recycling outcomes;
   • satisfaction of all relevant legal, financial and operational requirements; and
   • agreement of appropriate communications and stakeholder management arrangements.
3. Note that this decision does not direct, require or predetermine any decision by SUEZ in relation to closure of the facility or any employee consultation process, and that any decision to proceed with closure remains a matter for SUEZ following completion of its consultation obligations.