Harborough District Council has officially awarded a new £50.5 million environmental services contract to FCC Recycling UK Ltd, marking a significant commitment to upgrading waste management and public space maintenance across the region. The agreement, which follows an extensive 18-month procurement process, ensures that FCC will continue its long-standing partnership with the council, having served the district since 2009.
The new seven-year contract is set to commence on 1 April 2027. Under the terms of the deal, residents can expect a series of service improvements designed to modernize waste collection and enhance the overall cleanliness of the district. A primary highlight of the new agreement is the introduction of weekly food waste collections, a move that aligns with broader national efforts to reduce landfill reliance and promote more effective recycling habits.
Beyond waste management, the contract mandates an uplift in street cleansing standards and allocates increased resources specifically to combat the ongoing issue of fly-tipping. To support these operational goals, the council and FCC have committed to a fleet renewal program, introducing new vehicles and advanced equipment to ensure that services remain consistent and efficient. Tighter performance standards have also been built into the contract to ensure accountability and high-quality service delivery.
Councillor David Page, Cabinet Lead for Neighbourhood Services, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership. “The new contract will provide reliable, resilient, and effective environmental services,” said Cllr Page. “Beyond the essential day-to-day work, this agreement is designed to deliver wider benefits for our local communities, ensuring our streets and public spaces remain assets that residents can be proud of.”
The procurement process was highly competitive, with bids evaluated across three critical pillars: quality, price, and social value. FCC Recycling UK Ltd secured the contract after achieving the highest overall score, successfully demonstrating that it could meet the council’s ambitious sustainability targets while providing value for money.
The scope of the agreement extends well beyond traditional waste collection. As part of its social value commitment, FCC has pledged to invest in the local community through various initiatives. These include expanded support for young people, the creation of new apprenticeship and work experience opportunities, and targeted improvements to local parks and public spaces. Furthermore, the company will oversee a range of new reuse and sustainability projects aimed at promoting circular economy principles within the Harborough district.
Brian Ashby, Head of Municipal Collections and Streetscene at FCC, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the procurement process. “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract,” said Ashby. “Our partnership with Harborough District Council is one we value highly, and we look forward to working together for many years to come to deliver the high-quality, sustainable services that the residents deserve.”
By integrating environmental stewardship with community-focused social initiatives, the council aims to create a more resilient infrastructure for the district. With the transition period now underway, the focus shifts toward preparations for the 2027 rollout, ensuring that the new fleet and service models are fully operational to meet the evolving needs of the Harborough community.
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