Following a competitive procurement process, Countrystyle, have been awarded the new contract to run London Borough of Bexley’s Reuse and Recycling Centres.
Bexley is the leading London borough for recycling and has held this position for 13 years running. Countrystyle is well placed to meet the challenges ahead and will introduce new initiatives at Foots Cray and Thames Road Reuse and Recycling Centres.
Countrystyle has been awarded a five-year contract, valued at circa £1.7 million per year. This is an exciting new venture for Countrystyle as it includes the complete on-site management for Bexley’s two Reuse and Recycling Centres (RRC’s) and Transfer Station at Thames Road. Countrystyle’s Managing Director Chris Howard commented: “It was a highly competitive tendering process and we are thrilled with the result. We are very happy to extend our working relationship with the London Borough of Bexley to really drive segregation, increase rebates, lower costs and educate the public about recycling and reuse”.
Both sites are integral in enabling the public to recycle a variety of waste streams including paper and cardboard, wood, green waste, hardcore, electrical goods and bulky waste such as mattresses. Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Environment and Leisure, Cllr Peter Craske, said: “Bexley has an outstanding recycling record and has had the highest recycling rate in London for 13 years. We are always looking at new and innovative ways to increase our recycling rates and I am sure Countrystyle will help us continue to do this.”
Included in the contract is the management of the Waste Transfer Station located at Thames Road. As a strategic part of Bexley’s waste collection infrastructure, the Transfer Station accepts a wide range of materials from household kerbside collections, street cleansing, and local trade and business. With plans to substantially increase the efficiency, improve safety and maximise the flexibility of the Transfer Station, a key target is to increase revenue receipts for the Borough and reduce the burden on taxpayers.
Countrystyle’s Tim Haines commented: “We are very excited to have this opportunity. With upskilling staff and the right incentives in place, Countrystyle aims to increase the reuse capabilities and recycling rates. Sourcing retail and charitable outlets for items such as bric-à-brac, salvaging and controlling materials will create additional revenues for the Borough. By ensuring staff can recognise items confidently and be incentivised to do so, we can take reuse to new levels where the value of non-ferrous and even antiques can reclaimed”.
In a unique joint marketing exercise with the Borough, Countrystyle can establish the best value treatment routes for a variety of waste streams including wood, construction waste, carpet, plastics and plasterboard. The procurement will also boost the local economy as Countrystyle is increasing the headcount of staff to help deliver improved services.
This latest contract is a welcome addition to the Countrystyle portfolio.