SUEZ named preferred bidder by Kensington and Chelsea Council

The decision sees SUEZ set to continue to provide collection and street cleansing services across the borough, one of the most densely populated areas in Europe, which the company has served for over a quarter of a century.

The appointment and contract award will be confirmed after a legally required 10 day standstill period.

The collection element of the service includes twice weekly recycling and residual collections from the borough’s 93,000 households, 60% of which are from basements together with garden, bulky and trade waste collections, and increased food waste collections including from businesses and market traders.

The street cleansing service covers the borough’s 190km of roads and 380km of pavements and 530 litter bins, most of which are emptied daily. The contract also covers cleansing services for the borough’s markets and special events, including Notting Hill Carnival, and for public conveniences.

Both the collections and street cleansing services receive above average customer satisfaction ratings at 86% (compared to 80% nationally) and 83% (compared to 69% nationally) respectively.

Worth circa. £13.5 million over its initial 8-year duration, with an option to extend for a further 8 years, the contract employs more than 300 people. As part of its social value package, SUEZ is committing to provide 7 apprenticeships and a community fund to deliver training, workshops, and mentoring in partnership with local community groups to enhance local employment opportunities.

The contract would also see SUEZ introduce electric vehicles into the 80 strong fleet and support the council’s efforts to reduce waste and increase recycling, contributing to its aim to be carbon neutral by 2030.

John Scanlon, Chief Executive Officer for SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, said: "It’s been our privilege to deliver high quality collection and street cleansing services for over a quarter of a century to residents, businesses and visitors in Kensington and Chelsea. This decision paves the way for SUEZ to continue our long-standing and highly successful partnership with the Council, upholding its commitments to have the cleanest and best maintained streets in London and provide excellent environmental services."

Councillor Cem Kemahli, Lead Member for Environment and Waste at Kensington and Chelsea Council, said: "This new contract reflects the needs of our changing world and by moving to an electric fleet of vehicles SUEZ will be helping to make our air cleaner, as well as our streets. ‘It will benefit residents and staff providing us with the high level of service our residents have come to expect, while also making sure everyone working under the contract is paid at least the London Living Wage - a really important condition for the Council as a London Living Wage employer."