Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
August 2025
How will the procurement of a new waste contractor affect bin collections? Bin collections will continue to be made by the current contractor, Amey, until June 2027. The aim of the procurement is to ensure a seamless and robust experience for residents, with no changes to bin collections. Bins cannot go unemptied which is why a mobilisation period has been built into the process. It will enable the newly-appointed contractor to adequately prepare for taking over in June 2027 when Amey’s contract ends.
Will the waste collection service change with the new contractor? The new contractor will be initially obliged to continue with the schedule of waste collections that they inherit, for continuity purposes.
Why is a new waste contractor being sought now rather than waiting for the outcome of Surrey’s local government reorganisation (LGR) in 2027? The search for a replacement waste contractor has begun now to ensure that, regardless of the outcome of Surrey’s local government reorganisation in 2027, waste collections run continuously for residents. The new waste contractor will be initially required to operate with the collections schedule that they inherit, for continuity. The mobilisation period will form a vital part of ensuring a robust changeover is delivered.
How long will the new waste collection contract run for? The new waste contract would have an initial term of seven years, with the potential for renewal/extensions depending on the local requirements of the council in the future.
Why would the new waste contract run for so long? Would a shorter contract make more sense, aligning with completion of the LGR process in 2027? The initial term of the new contract is seven years. Any shorter than this would not be commercially attractive to potential bidders who will need to invest significant funds into their bid. Therefore, a shorter-term contract would not be financially viable for most of the quality waste operators in the field.
What assurances will be sought to ensure that the new contractor will run an efficient and reliable service? Our initial due diligence checks carried out during the procurement specific questionnaire would require potential bidders to demonstrate their ability to deliver a reliable, efficient service for residents and includes measures to assess their experience and track record in the sector, their financial integrity and on factors such as insurance and liability. The appointed new waste contractor will be required to meet robust performance targets agreed to in a contract as part of the procurement process.
September 2025
Q: Which companies have passed the due diligence checks and been invited to tender? While the tender has attracted interest from several organisations who expressed an interest in bidding for the contract, due to confidentiality we are unable to name the companies that have been invited to tender for the joint waste collection services contract.
Q: What measures have been put in place to ensure that the successful bidder will deliver a reliable and efficient bin collection service for residents? As part of the due diligence checks, all bidders will be subject to close scrutiny on a range of matters that includes vetting of their financial records, experience of running a waste contract, and insurance arrangements. Bidders will be asked to provide a detailed response and pricing to demonstrate how they would fulfil the new contract. They will also be asked how they respond to missed collections and emergencies; and how they would work with the authorities to reduce waste and maximise recycling across the joint contract area.
The bin collections service must run continuously and a mobilisation period has been built into the process to enable the newly-appointed contractor to adequately prepare for taking over in June 2027 when Amey’s contract ends.
Useful links
Elmbridge Borough Council website
Mole Valley District Council website
Surrey Heath Borough Council website
Woking Borough Council website
Updated: 15 September 2025