BwDBC Waste Contracts 2026

The Authority wishes to appoint the Provider to provide certain services relating to the receipt, haulage and treatment of dry recyclables collected from domestic and non-domestic premises within the geographical boundary of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council as further detailed in this specification.

The aim of the Contract is to provide the highest quality kerbside recycling service for all service users and to maximise diversion of recyclables from landfill by maximising customer participation.

The Council intends to introduce a weekly Contract Waste collection service to all homes including flats within the borough. Collections are likely to be made using 5t or 7.5t vehicles from 23 litre caddies issued to residents. The Council operates all its waste and recycling collection services in-house. The Council intends to commence this service by or before the date required by central government of the 1st June 2026.

The Council currently operates a successful commercial waste collection service and intends to also offer a food recycling option to its business customers both within and outside the borough.

The Provider will be required to offer tipping facilities to accommodate all collected Contract Waste. It should however be noted that the Council does not own or have access to a tipping facility currently suitable for Contract Waste. As such the Council is looking for a Delivery Point/Treatment Site within the current boundaries of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

The Council invites bidders to provide innovative and comprehensive solutions to managing and disposing of local authority collected municipal solid waste (LACMSW).

Collection of waste is conducted by the Council refuse collection fleet. All waste collected will require depositing into a waste transfer station, which must be located within the Borough boundaries. Any bids received that do not meet this criteria will not be considered.

In accordance with the Simpler Recycling agenda the Council seeks to limit to the absolute minimum any waste disposed to landfill. Although the Council recognises that some waste, (asbestos etc), would be disposed in such a manner. To the extent possible all waste collected is to be subjected to the waste hierarchy principles, with a view to maximise diversion from landfill.

To the greatest extent possible the disposal of residual waste is to be managed in such a manner so as to provide energy recovery/generation and/or refuse derived fuel(s) or similar.

For the purpose of providing the Services, the Provider shall supply and maintain all necessary vehicles, plant, equipment and labour, to facilitate compliance with this Agreement.