Report recommends awarding waste contract to Biffa
Biffa Waste Services Ltd will provide waste collection, recycling and street cleansing services in Wirral for at least the next eight years if the recommendations of an upcoming report to committee are accepted.
The proposal to award the new contract to Biffa Waste Services Ltd follows a detailed review and competitive tendering process designed to secure the best long-term solution for residents.
The Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee for Wirral Council will be asked to approve the eight-year contract – with the option to extend for up to a further eight years – commencing on 27 August 2027.
Alongside the contract award, the report also sets out proposals to invest in key operational infrastructure to support service delivery. This includes plans to upgrade the Dock Road South depot to ensure it meets the requirements of the new contract.
Members will also be asked to authorise the Director of Operations to progress negotiations to purchase the depot, which would enable the council to secure a long-term operational base for waste and street cleansing services, while allowing Biffa to continue operating from the site for its commercial activities through a leaseback or similar agreement.
This approach reflects careful financial planning and delivers value for money over the life of the contract. The proposed acquisition would be based on the depot’s current market value, ensuring the council does not pay for future improvements twice and maximising the benefit of the planned investment.
Providing a suitable depot facility was identified as an important requirement during the procurement process to ensure a fair and consistent basis for bidders. After Biffa emerged as the sole bidder, the opportunity to acquire and improve the existing depot has been explored as the most efficient and practical solution.
The new contract will cost around £21.8 million per year, reflecting current service requirements, with total costs over the initial term estimated at approximately £174 million. When borrowing and associated costs are included, the total annual investment is estimated at £24.1 million, ensuring a sustainable and resilient service for the borough.
The decision follows several years of preparation and review. In May 2023, a multi-service contract review board was established, chaired by the council’s Director of Neighbourhood Services. The board has met monthly since to review existing services, manage risks, oversee progress and keep councillors informed.
As part of this work, the council commissioned Eunomia Research and Consulting Ltd, an independent environmental consultancy with extensive experience in waste and resource management, to assess future service delivery options.
In July 2024, the Committee considered an Outline Business Case examining a wide range of delivery model options. Three options were taken forward for more detailed assessment, with further analysis ultimately supporting the outsourcing of services under a new contract.
A formal tender notice was published in June 2025, setting out how suppliers could participate and how submissions would be evaluated. Four companies initially expressed interest. Following the full procurement process, Biffa’s submission was identified as the most advantageous.
The recommendation provides continuity of service while establishing a clear, forward-looking framework for waste, recycling and street cleansing across Wirral beyond 2027.
Wirral Council currently provides waste and recycling collections to around 147,000 households. Since 2006, these services, along with most street cleansing, have been delivered through a contract with Biffa.
The existing contract is due to expire in August 2027 and cannot be extended. It covers household waste and recycling collections, waste services for council buildings and schools, and street cleansing across adopted highways, pavements and alleyways.
