URL: https://democracy.lichfielddc.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=820

Decision Maker: Cabinet Member Decision

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: Lichfield District Council works in partnership with Tamworth Borough to deliver a waste collection service to local households.   The service collects dry mixed recycling (glass, cans, plastics, paper and card) using a dual-stream collection system, which it disposes through Biffa Waste Ltd, through a joint contract with South Staffordshire and Cannock Chase district councils.   The original three-year contract with Biffa Waste Ltd ended on 31 March 2025 and provided an option to extend for three one-year periods. On 6 July 2021, Cabinet delegated the responsibility to enter contracts to support the dry recycling service to the Cabinet Member and director responsible for waste and recycling, provided the costs can be met from within existing budgets.   The partnership of the councils is content with the service provided by Biffa Waste Ltd. This paper proposes extending the contract for one-year to 31 March 2027 on the basis that price increases are set at CPI.   It is also felt that extending the contract is prudent as it will allow more clarity on the future landscape to emerge, given the impact of local government reorganisation and the upcoming changes in the waste market, due Extended Producer Responsibility which will significantly impact the financial modelling of dry recycling in the UK.   

Content: Lichfield District Council works in partnership with Tamworth Borough to deliver a waste collection service to local households.   The service collects dry mixed recycling (glass, cans, plastics, paper and card) using a dual-stream collection system, which it disposes through Biffa Waste Ltd, through a joint contract with South Staffordshire and Cannock Chase district councils.   The original three-year contract with Biffa Waste Ltd ended on 31 March 2025 and provided an option to extend for three one-year periods. On 6 July 2021, Cabinet delegated the responsibility to enter contracts to support the dry recycling service to the Cabinet Member and director responsible for waste and recycling, provided the costs can be met from within existing budgets.   The partnership of the councils is content with the service provided by Biffa Waste Ltd. This paper proposes extending the contract for one-year to 31 March 2027 on the basis that price increases are set at CPI.   It is also felt that extending the contract is prudent as it will allow more clarity on the future landscape to emerge, given the impact of local government reorganisation and the upcoming changes in the waste market, due Extended Producer Responsibility which will significantly impact the financial modelling of dry recycling in the UK.    The Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Parks and Waste   awarded a one-year contract extension to Biffa Waste Ltd for dry mixed recycling collected by the Joint Waste Service, from 1 April 2026 – 31 March 2027.   Noted that one further one-year extensions may be agreed by the Cabinet Member responsible for waste and recycling, Director for Resident and Business Services and the council’s S151 officer, subject to costs not exceeding existing budgets.  Lichfield District Council works in partnership with Tamworth Borough to deliver a waste collection service to local households.   The service collects dry mixed recycling (glass, cans, plastics, paper and card) using a dual-stream collection system, which it disposes through Biffa Waste Ltd, through a joint contract with South Staffordshire and Cannock Chase district councils.   The original three-year contract with Biffa Waste Ltd ended on 31 March 2025 and this provided an option to extend for three one-year periods. On 6 July 2021, Cabinet delegated the responsibility to enter contracts to support the dry recycling service to the Cabinet Member responsible for waste and recycling and the head of operational services, provided the costs can be met from within existing budgets.   The partnership of the councils is content with the service provided by Biffa Waste Ltd. This paper proposes extending the contract for one-year to 31 March 2027 on the basis that price increases are set at CPI. The council is in a partnership with South Staffordshire and Cannock Chase district councils. The councils had an option to go to the market to negotiate a new dry recycling contract, however, are satisfied with the Biffa contract/service delivery, and are keen to utilise the contract extension facility.   The impact of local government reorganisation and the upcoming changes in the waste market, due to the Simpler Recycling government requirements, also means it is felt it is prudent to extend existing contracts to allow more clarity on the future landscape to emerge.   

Date of Decision: March 23, 2026