Scope
Reference
WP4017
Description
Walsall Council has built a new Waste Transfer Station (WTS) and Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC) in Middlemore Lane, Aldridge to replace Fryers Road WTS and to become the main HWRC within the borough. The transition to Middlemore Lane requires considerable flexibility and a short-term increase in resources to enable the move, provide a fully operational site when construction is complete and to decommission Fryers Road.
Walsall requires a waste management provider to operate and manage the existing HWRCs and enable the transition to the Middlemore Lane site.
The contract is for a two-year term to enable this transition to be successfully completed.
Contract 1. WP4017 - Waste Transfer Station and Household Waste Recycling Centre Management
Supplier
Contract value
- £7,000,000 excluding VAT
- £8,400,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
2 January 2026
Contract dates
- 5 January 2026 to 4 January 2028
- 2 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 90000000 - Sewage, refuse, cleaning and environmental services
Contract locations
- UKG38 - Walsall
Key performance indicators
| Name | Reporting frequency |
|---|---|
| WTS availability | 3 months |
| HWRC availability | 3 months |
| Tonnes of household waste arising from the HWRC re-used | 3 months |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Additional or repeat goods, services or works - further goods, services or works following a competitive procedure
Suez Recycling and Recovery UK Ltd ("Suez") have held a contract for the operation and management of the two existing HWRCs in Fryers Road and Merchants Way, the operation and management of the WTS in Fryers Road, and the provision of transport and haulage for materials being sent for disposal since 1 April 2014.
Walsall intends to directly award a short term (2-year) open book contract to Suez for services which are intended as an extension to and partial replacement of the existing services. A change of supplier in these circumstances would:
require a substantial mobilisation period for the new provider to be able to deliver services from Walsall's existing sites. This delay would be incompatible with Walsall's ongoing operations and could result in Walsall Council not being able to dispose of household waste and recycling collected which could result in waste not being collected and resulting in public health issues.
result in substantial duplication of costs associated with a new supplier mobilising their operation at a site shortly to be decommissioned.
cause substantial loss of Suez's existing familiarity with Walsall's requirements, putting at risk a smooth and timely transition to the new site. Walsall and Suez have established collaborative working practices which another provider could not acquire within the necessary timeframes.
cause disproportionate operational difficulties at a time when additional support and resources are required during the transition to Middlemore Lane. Maintaining the existing relationship with Suez allows Walsall to access greater flexibility and resilience during this critical period of change.
A competitive tendering process for a long-term supplier to the new site is intended to commence within 12 months of the contract start date. Walsall Council has already published a UK1: Pipeline notice - Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-036938 for this new contract and intends to commence formal preliminary market engagement by May 2026.
Supplier
SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK Limited
- Companies House: 02291198
Suez House Grenfell Road
Maidenhead
SL6 1ES
United Kingdom
Email: communications.uk@suez.com
Region: UKJ11 - Berkshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Walsall Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHGR-7481-DHXR
Civic Centre, Darwall Street
Walsall
WS1 1TP
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@walsall.gov.uk
Region: UKG38 - Walsall
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government