Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet is to discuss approval of the awarding of a new waste collection contract at their next meeting on 25 January.

Although this is a significant moment in the transformation of waste services in the county, there will be no immediate changes that residents or businesses need to be aware of.

The existing Waste Collection contract with FCC will be extended to 31 August 2024, with the new contract to commence on 1 September. The new contract will last for an initial 8 years, with an option to extend by up to a further 12 years.

Cllr Elissa Swinglehurst, Cabinet Member Environment, said: “The new waste collection service will help us to minimise waste and increase reuse, repair and recycling. It will also contribute to our investment in low carbon projects, and strengthen our stewardship of Herefordshire’s natural resources.

“Environmental impact has been key to the development of the service specification, which will include extensive requirements to minimise waste, reduce energy and carbon emissions and enhance biodiversity.

“As we have extended the existing contract until the end of August, residents and businesses will experience no changes to the current service, and we are committed to communicating clearly and in timely fashion with local people when any potential changes become clear.”

More information can be found in the Cabinet papers.