WP4017 - Waste Transfer Station and Household Waste Recycling

Suez Recycling and Recovery UK Ltd ("Suez") have held a contract for the operation and management of the two existing HWRCs in Fryers Road and Merchants Way, the operation and management of the WTS in Fryers Road, and the provision of transport and haulage for materials being sent for disposal since 1 April 2014.

Walsall intends to directly award a short term (2-year) open book contract to Suez for services which are intended as an extension to and partial replacement of the existing services. A change of supplier in these circumstances would:

require a substantial mobilisation period for the new provider to be able to deliver services from Walsall's existing sites. This delay would be incompatible with Walsall's ongoing operations and could result in Walsall Council not being able to dispose of household waste and recycling collected which could result in waste not being collected and resulting in public health issues.

result in substantial duplication of costs associated with a new supplier mobilising their operation at a site shortly to be decommissioned.

cause substantial loss of Suez's existing familiarity with Walsall's requirements, putting at risk a smooth and timely transition to the new site. Walsall and Suez have established collaborative working practices which another provider could not acquire within the necessary timeframes.

cause disproportionate operational difficulties at a time when additional support and resources are required during the transition to Middlemore Lane. Maintaining the existing relationship with Suez allows Walsall to access greater flexibility and resilience during this critical period of change.

A competitive tendering process for a long-term supplier to the new site is intended to commence within 12 months of the contract start date. Walsall Council has already published a UK1: Pipeline notice - Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-036938 for this new contract and intends to commence formal preliminary market engagement by May 2026.