Central Bedfordshire officers working ‘flat out’ after recycling contractor doubled price of service
The leader of Central Bedfordshire Council says he knows residents “want to see public money spent appropriately” after its former recycling waste contractor tried to double the price of its service.
Recycling waste collection was paused at the weekend when the contractor informed the council about the price hike, following a fire at its treatment centre.
Cllr Adam Zerny, leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “The contractor, AWM, which treats our recycling waste has suspended their service with just one business day's notice and no time to make alternative arrangements.
"Council officers are working flat out to find a new contractor and of course in the meantime, recycling waste cannot be collected until there is somewhere for it to go.
"AWM argued that following a fire at their treatment facility, they needed to pass on the entire additional costs to the council. This would have added millions of pounds in costs to the public, over the remainder of the contract.
"While we appreciate how much inconvenience this is causing residents, we appreciate their patience and know they want to see public money spent appropriately.”
The council has told residents recycling waste would not be picked up, including paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, containers and cans. General waste, in the black bins, and food waste will still be collected.
People are asked to keep recycling at home, or residents can book a slot and take recycling to a Household Waste Recycling Centre.
He added: "The council collects around 20,000 tonnes of recycling a year, so we need a contractor who can take large volumes of recycling at short notice. We hope to have service back to normal in the very near future."
The council also highlighted that it will continue to keep residents updated and people can sign up for an email update from us via our website."