Scope
Reference
GMCA 1185
Description
1.0 Background
Under the national Resources and Waste strategy and requirements of Simpler Recycling policy, waste collection authorities (WCAs) that are part of the GMCA waste management arrangements will be required to make changes to current dry, mixed recycling (DMR) collections increasing the range of materials to be collected.
The existing materials recovery facility (MRF) at Longley Lane, Sharston does not have the capacity or the sorting equipment required to process these additional materials.
GMCA is therefore looking for to procure the design, build, installation, commissioning, and testing of new commingled dry recyclable material processing systems to be installed within the existing building at the Salford Road, Over Hulton, Bolton site to create a new Mechanical Recovery Facility (MRF).
The Salford Road site building has previously operated as an In-Vessel Composting facility and most recently a Bio Transfer Loading Station. The previous equipment has been removed and internal structure of the building refurbished to provide a clean operational space to accommodate new recyclable sorting equipment.
On completion of the works the site will be able to process commingled dry recyclable material collected from households across Greater Manchester, with plant outputs in the form of loose material (glass) or baled recyclable materials, with a capacity 140,000 tonnes per annum of input commingled material.
The new plant is expected to operate across two x 8 hours shifts daily (Monday - Friday) plus one additional 8-hour shift (Saturday). It is expected to employ one 8-hour daily cleaning shift (Monday - Friday).
Maintenance which cannot be completed with the plant "on-line" will be scheduled for non-operational periods, i.e. overnight and at weekends.
1.2 Key Objectives
The key objectives of the procurement are:
• That the Works are executed with the highest regard for Health and Safety.
• In considering Plant performance, the design and equipment selection shall consider the following objectives:
o High equipment availability
o High equipment reliability over the long term
o Consideration of Capital vs Operational Costs to produce the lowest total cost of ownership
o Minimising low-grade operator roles through the use of automated processes
o The use of AI to enhance capture and purity rates of materials
o Good access for maintenance, demonstrated through HAZOP and Access, Lifting and Maintenance workshops
o Good design and access for regular cleaning
o High capture rate and purity of Aluminium
o High capture rate and purity of natural HDPE
o High capture rate and purity of clear PET
o High capture rate of glass
o High capture rate of film
o Flexibility in the design to allow for the future capture of new materials, or to adapt to changes in market specifications of existing materials (eg purity levels), or to allow integration of AI/automation
Civil works do not form part of this procurement.
Total value (estimated)
- £20,000,000 excluding VAT
- £24,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 5 January 2026 to 5 July 2027
- Possible extension to 5 January 2028
- 2 years, 1 day
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 42914000 - Recycling equipment
- 42990000 - Miscellaneous special-purpose machinery
- 71323000 - Engineering-design services for industrial process and production
Contract locations
- UKD3 - Greater Manchester
Engagement
Engagement deadline
2 July 2025
Engagement process description
GMCA will be conducting a market engagement event in relation to GMCA 1185 Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) Salford Road, Over Hulton, Bolton.
Market Engagement will take place on: Monday 30th June 2025 and Wednesday 2nd July 2025.
• Session 1 AM 09.00-12.00 inclusive of x3 (20min) 1-2-1 slots available (following the presentation)
• 12.00 - 13.00 Lunch break
• Session 2 PM 13.00-16.00 inclusive of x3 (20min) slots available (following the presentation)
(All sessions will be the same.)
The purpose of this event is to present the project, engage with the market and to inform the procurement process.
Structure of day: Presentation to explain high level detail of the proposed project, opportunity for individual conversations (time slotted) and Site Visit.
Due to the limited capacity of space, booking prior to attendance is imperative. Bookings can be made via Michael Kelly at: Michael.Kelly@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk
Attendance will be limited to a maximum of 2 representatives per supplier.
Booking Deadline: Friday 27th June 12noon
Timed slots will be allocated upon booking & on a first come first served basis.
Please provide:
• Names of Participants
• Organisation Name
All slides and relevant findings in line with PA23 regulations will be shared publicly following the market engagement events.
Attendance is not mandatory. Non -attendance will not exclude you from participating in this opportunity.
Chest address: The Chest: North West Procurement Portal and reference GMCA 1185 Salford Road MRF. Address: Recycle for Greater Manchester, Solar Farm, Salford Road, Bolton, BL5 1DG
Contracting authority
Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXBN-3793-LCTQ
56 Oxford Street
Manchester
M1 6EU
United Kingdom
Region: UKD33 - Manchester
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government