Combined Cleansing Services Contract award update | Latest news

Following a rigorous and competitive procurement exercise, Arun District Council can confirm the award of the Council's Combined Cleansing Services Contract to Biffa. 

Biffa's tender provided significant assurance and solid proposals concerning the delivery of the contract in all areas of the evaluation criteria. This includes the changes to waste collection required under the government's 'Simpler Recycling' legislation, which will require the introduction of a weekly food waste collection for all residents in 2026.

Arun District Council's Cleansing Service will now start the important work of setting up the new contract and new services ready for 1 Feb 2026 and communicating these changes to residents. As well as the roll out of a weekly food waste collection service, refuse collections will move to a fortnightly frequency from a supplied 180 litre bin.

The changes will support the council in achieving its 55% target for recycling.

Councillor Sue Wallsgrove, Chair of Arun District Council's Environment Committee said: We are delighted to continue our successful partnership with Biffa. For many years they have provided a very reliable and good quality service. We look forward to working with them to successfully roll out changes, including weekly food waste collections to our residents. The new contract will provide a cost-effective service and include ambitious initiatives to reduce the council's carbon footprint as well as providing local employment opportunities, apprenticeships and social value for our communities.

Steve Cole, Managing Director, Biffa Municipal, said: As the UK leader in sustainable waste management, our work with local authorities drives positive change, helping people waste less and recycle more, with all the environmental and economic benefits that brings. Our partnership with Arun District Council is a shining example of this, and I'm delighted we can build on the progress we've made for many more years to come, continuing to provide the residents of Arun with the best service possible, supporting the council's Social Value and Sustainability Strategy, as well as getting ready for the introduction of Simpler Recycling for households in 12 months' time.