New Deal to Revolutionise Recycling

A Serco Rubbish Lorry.

By Ben Aulakh

A £650 million deal which aims slash the levels of waste sent to landfill and improve street cleanliness across one Midlands borough, has been given the go ahead.

Waste Management firm Serco have been given the 25 year deal to modernise bin collections, recycling services and street cleaning in Sandwell, West Midlands.

The contract will form one of the cornerstones of the borough’s Waste Improvement Plan to hit Government recycling targets and avoid millions of pounds in potential future financial penalties and landfill taxes.

Councillor Derek Rowley, Cabinet Member for Safer Neighbourhoods, said
“This is great news for the residents of Sandwell who will benefit from cleaner streets and the introduction of environmentally friendly, state of the art recycling services.

“Waste services in Sandwell have needed to be modernised for some time and this contract means within a few years we will be delivering one of the best services in the country which is exactly what the borough’s residents deserve.”

The partnership is part of a commitment by the council to have at least 60 per cent of all waste being recycled or composted, 35 per cent of waste being turned into renewable energy and less than 5 per cent being sent to landfill by the year 2020.

Serco will also will also be dramatically increasing the number of mechanical street sweepers, to ensure they improve on street cleanliness in the borough.

Managing director of Serco Mike Boult added: “Serco are delighted to be partnering Sandwell Council on this groundbreaking contract which is a significant addition to our environmental services portfolio.

“We are excited about the prospect of welcoming our new colleagues and working in partnership with the council to deliver a step change in the quality of services delivered to the residents of Sandwell.”

Photograph from www.midsussex.gov.uk