Joint contract for waste disposal in Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Inverclyde
The way we were before the lights went out at Greenlight.
By Bill Heaney
Three councils have joined up to tender for waste disposal in West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Bute and Inverclyde.
This announcement follows the demise of Greenlight, which landed on the financial scrap heap just before Christmas.
Argyll and Bute Council says it will join forces with its neighbouring local authorities “to procure residual waste disposal services “to cover the Helensburgh and Lomond area.
Their statement adds: “This will help secure the best possible price for services and ensure that we comply with the 2021 ban on Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW) going to landfill.
“The combined requirements of all three authorities will make the contract more attractive to a range of waste processors and potentially secure a more competitive rate.”
West Dunbartonshire Council’s procurement team, which is currently being investigated in regard to other matters, has led this process.
Argyll and Bute Council’s Procurement and Legal teams have been involved from its inception, ensuring that all decisions made represent the interests of the council.
Councillor Roddy McCuish, pictured right, Policy Lead for Roads and Amenity Services, said: “This joint contract is the way forward to secure best value for all three local authorities in time to meet the new regulations in 2021.
“Currently, capacity to treat and divert waste from landfill is limited, which means we need to get ready now. By taking this approach we can meet our obligations within the current budget.”
No one from West Dunbartonshire Council would comment on this to The Democrat, but it is widely known that the trade unions, concerned about the loss of jobs, are opposed to this type of arrangement in West Dunbartonshire.
The Community Party called for these services to be delivered in-house instead of being privatised. It appears the SNP seem quite comfortable with the privatisation of these public services which will result in job losses and less control for the democratically elected Council.