The Executive Decision meeting of Waltham Forest Council on Monday 15 April 2024 was scheduled to consider the procurement of food waste receptacles. This procurement is a key step in the council's plan to introduce a separate weekly food waste collection service for all households.

Procurement of Food Waste Receptacles

The meeting was scheduled to discuss the procurement of food waste receptacles and their delivery. This initiative is a direct response to the requirements of the Environment Act 2021, which mandates that waste collection authorities provide a separate weekly food waste collection service to all households by the end of 2025. The council's Recycling Strategy 2023 outlined this plan, which was subsequently agreed by Cabinet.

The report pack indicated that the recommendation was to approve proceeding with the procurement of these receptacles and their delivery. This would be achieved through a mini-competition process using the Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation (YPO) framework references 1063 (Recycling Products) and 1040 (Plastic Wheeled Bins including Distribution/Collection Services). The report highlighted that these receptacles are critical for the success of the new food waste collection scheme, aiming to increase recycling rates and consequently reduce waste disposal and treatment costs.

The report outlined three options:

• Do nothing: This option was not recommended as it would prevent the council from meeting its statutory obligations under the Environment Act 2021.
• Mini Competition from Framework using YPO Frameworks: This was the recommended option, with advantages including pre-qualified suppliers, existing guarantees, and legal agreements through the YPO framework. A disbenefit noted was that not all suppliers are on the framework, and the council cannot alter the framework's terms and conditions.
• Do own procurement through 'Open Process': This option was not recommended due to potential longer timescales and uncertainty regarding cost savings compared to using a framework.

The report also detailed the financial, legal, equalities, and sustainability implications of the proposal. It stated that using a framework would ensure best value for money and limit risk. Legally, the procurement aligns with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the council's Contract Procedure Rules. An Equality Analysis screening determined that there were no negative or adverse impacts anticipated from this procurement, as the goods are intended to be accessible and usable by all residents. Sustainability considerations included requiring suppliers to evidence a minimum recycled content in the receptacles and encouraging the use of alternative fuels for transportation and UK manufacturing where possible.

The meeting was scheduled to be attended by Councillor Clyde Loakes, Deputy Leader (Climate & Air Quality), who is the decision-maker for this item. Kirsty Waugh, Head of Operations Neighbourhoods & Environment, was listed as the report author.