URL: https://democracy.eastsussex.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=2809

Decision Maker: Director of Communities, Economy and Transport

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: East Sussex County Council (ESCC), as Waste Disposal Authority, manages waste under the Integrated Waste Management Services Contract (IWMSC) with South Downs Waste Services Limited (Veolia). Prior to 2019, waste collection authorities (WCAs) in East Sussex retained the dry mixed recycling (DMR) they collected and received recycling credits from ESCC. Due to a significant decline in material markets, WCAs agreed in 2019 to transfer management of this DMR to ESCC. The DMR collected by WCAs cannot be processed through the IWMSC Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at Hollingdean, as the material includes fully co-mingled glass which the facility is not designed to handle. As a result, ESCC has been required to manage this material outside of the core IWMSC disposal arrangements. Since 2019, Veolia has provided DMR tipping point services under a time-limited modification, allowing WCAs to discharge DMR locally and enabling ESCC to procure onward haulage, processing and sale through separate offtake contracts. The current modification expires on 28 June 2026. This decision seeks approval to modify the IWMSC to allow Veolia to continue providing DMR tipping point services from 29 June 2026 to 31 March 2033. The proposed modification enables Veolia to provide a defined and limited service consisting of the receipt, storage and loading of DMR at existing IWMSC waste transfer stations at Pebsham and Maresfield, and at third-party facilities at Haulaway (Polegate) and Light Bros (Southerham) managed through sub-contracts. Veolia will be paid only for the tipping point element of the service, rather than the full disposal cycle reflected in the IWMSC unitary charge. The onward haulage, processing and marketing of the DMR will continue to be managed separately by ESCC through a competitively procured offtake contract. This approach ensures operational continuity, minimises disruption to waste collection services, and provides a practical and cost-effective solution within a constrained market where suitable tipping point facilities are limited. The modification represents a continuation and formalisation of arrangements that have been operating effectively since 2019, while ensuring the IWMSC remains fit for purpose and aligned with current waste management requirements. Approval of this decision is necessary to maintain continuity of DMR services beyond June 2026, ensure compliance with contractual and governance requirements, and avoid the need for less efficient and more costly alternative arrangements.

Content:

Date of Decision: June 16, 2026