Council is currently evaluating tenders for its longest and largest contract.

Three tenders were received for Council’s solid waste management contract, which involves kerbside rubbish and recycling collection, recycling collection, running the district’s resource recovery parks in Ashburton and Rakaia, and operating school and rural recycling drop-off sites.

The contract is for nine years, with an option to extend another nine years, and the total value of the 18-year contract is around $88 million.

Tenders are currently being evaluated by a group including Council staff, external and independent consultants and legal advisors; two councillors are also observing the process.

The tender also includes the introduction of a FOGO (food organic and garden organic) green bin kerbside collection, alongside the existing rubbish and recycling collections.

Infrastructure and Open Spaces Group Manager Neil McCann said a recommendation would be made to councillors in December or January, and the tender awarded following their decision.

“The contract start date is not until 1 September 2026, but a long lead in time is needed to allow for a smooth transition, in the event a new contractor is appointed, and to properly introduce the FOGO green waste service to residents. The contractor will need to deliver bins to households and have the necessary resources, trucks and facilities in place to collect, store and process the green waste.

“We’re also hoping to see technology with information and advice about collection days and what can be recycled. This can come as an app or web-based tool, depending on the contractor who wins the contract.”

Mr McCann said the solid waste tender was an important tender because almost every household in the district uses solid waste services, whether they put their bins out at the kerb or visit a rural collection site or resource park.

“We expect these services to run smoothly as residents rely on them.”