Decision details

The Waste and Recycling Manger presented a report which explained that the contract for processing mixed dry recyclables collected by Councils in Norfolk was delivered by joint venture company contract with Norse Environmental Waste Services Ltd (NEWS). This arrangement was for all seven Waste Collection Authorities in Norfolk (ie the District, City and Borough Councils) and the County Council in its role as a Waste Disposal Authority.

The contract expired on 30 September 2024 and costs were currently paid based on a fixed gate fee. To secure a three-year extension to 2027 which had been allowed for in the contract, payment for the service would have to change from the existing fixed gate fee basis to a variable gate fee, which would be based on actual costs and which would apply from October 2021.  The process for the change was heading towards completion with documents providing for the change heading towards a finalised format.

Under standing order 34 Councillor de Whalley asked the likelihood of meeting recycling targets, to which it was confirmed that there would be changes to legislation but encouragement would be given to recycle more and waste less to endeavour to continue to improve.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Parish asked if soft plastics were  collectable, to which it was explained that the Government were wanting soft plastics to be included in kerbside collections in coming legislation.

In responding to Councillor Moriarty’s question under standing order 34 the financials of this could be seen in the monitoring reports as they came through.  It was also confirmed that other authorities had already approved this extension.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Morley asked for the detail on the Council’s exposure which was explained. 

Councillor Dark made reference to the report detail on the smoothing financials.

Cabinet debated the report and supported the recommendations.

RESOLVED:            1)         The proposal of extending the MRF contract to 30^th September 2027 be approved.

2)         That the changing the “gate fee” under the MRF contract from fixed to variable as set out at section 4 of the report, to apply from 1^st October 2021 be approved.

3)         That, as joint shareholder of Norse Environmental Waste Services Ltd (NEWS) it be agreed that changes to the Shareholder Agreement and MRF Contract be made to ensure NEWS is Teckal compliant, such agreement to incorporate consequential drafting changes.

4)         That delegated authority be granted to the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer in consultation with the Leader and the Portfolio Holder for the Environment to conclude negotiations with the relevant parties and complete the necessary documentation to bring Resolutions 1-3 into effect.

Reason for Decision

An extension would allow the service of sorting collected dry recyclables to be secured in the longer term and provide stability of arrangements during a period where national waste policy and legislation on waste is expected to lead to changes on the volume and composition of waste collected by Councils