The comprehensive and independent study to explore the potential feasibility of transitioning our waste collection system from its current competitive licensing system to a franchise tendering system was commissioned in early 2025. The primary aim of the study is to identify how we can best support the achievement of EU recycling targets.
As part of the study, a month-long public consultation was held to gather the views of stakeholders. This consultation process garnered significant engagement, including from waste collectors of varying sizes, covering a range of issues from assessing the current waste collection model service efficiency, the cost to consumers and exploring measures to assist in achieving our EU recycling targets (current and future) while developing a more resource efficient economy.
The study is being undertaken with full regard to competition law requirements and is currently scheduled to be completed by 30 April. Any future decisions will be taken in line with the relevant framework and following appropriate consideration of the study’s findings. It should be noted that under the Waste Management Act the statutory responsibility for decisions on waste collection arrangements, including any move towards franchise tendering, would rest with the Chief Executive of each local authority.
