Decision details

Food Waste Caddies Joint Procurement

Decision Maker: Executive Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations approved

Is Key decision?: Yes

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Decisions:

Councillor Adrian Lowe, Executive Member for Customer, Streetscene and Environment presented the confidential report of the Director of Customer and Digital which sought approval to jointly procure food waste caddies, distribution services to households, and caddy liners.

 

Members noted the proposed change to tender evaluation criteria to 60% price and 40% quality ratio, including 5% for Social Value. They also recognised the importance of circulating information with residents at the early stages of the process.

 

Resolved (unanimously)

1.    To approve the joint procurement of food waste caddies in partnership with nine Lancashire districts, led by Blackburn with Darwen Council.

2.    To approve a change in the tender evaluation to a 60% price and 40% quality ratio, including 5% for Social Value, to be procured through a direct award from the ESPO framework. The previous approval was 80:20, with no Social Value consideration due to the nature of the goods.

3.    To approve the food waste caddies to be grey, instead of silver-grey, with the council logo imprinted on them.

4.    To approve the use of polyethylene plastic liners rather than compostable ones.

5.    To approve the initial supply of liners (for one year) with the food caddies and agree to continue supplying liners to participating residents based on ongoing discussions with Lancashire County Council.

6.    To delegate the decision to award the contract to Executive Member for Customer, Streetscene and Environment.

 

Reasons for recommendations

1.    Joint procurement of food waste caddies in larger quantities offers potential cost savings.

2.    The original choice of silver-grey caddies was based on aesthetics. However, after market testing, it was found that grey caddies are more cost-effective, contain 40% recycled plastic, and are more environmentally friendly. This also supports a longer[1]term plan to standardise all waste bins to grey, improving storage efficiency and reducing costs.

3.    Polyethylene liners are more durable, less prone to leakage, and about one-third the cost of compostable liners. These liners are removed at the start of the anaerobic digestion process and converted into Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) for energy recovery. Compostable liners may not degrade quickly enough, potentially ending up as RDF as well. Additionally, polyethylene liners are made from recycled plastic, supporting sustainability.

4.    Providing liners has been shown to increase resident participation in food waste recycling and improve the overall success of food waste collection programs.

 

Other options considered and rejected

Procuring food caddies and liners separately would not lead to cost savings.

 

Report author: Chris Walmsley

Publication date: 12/12/2024

Date of decision: 12/12/2024

Decided at meeting: 12/12/2024 - Executive Cabinet

Effective from: 21/12/2024

Accompanying Documents: