City Services is working to change the way Canberra’s household waste is collected and managed coinciding with the release of a new contract for the collection tender.
Commenting on the future, the Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel said that for the first time, the contract would encompass all collection services, including household waste, recycling, green waste and a bulky waste collection service.
“The contract will also support the future city-wide Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection service,” Mr Steel said.
“Canberrans will not experience changes to household collection services under this contract,” he said.
“Draft tender documentation will also have binding principles that provide secure local jobs, comprehensive waste services and start the transition to zero-emissions waste vehicles – supporting the ACT’s nation leading transition to a net zero-emissions future.”
Mr Steel said that due to the size and complexity of the waste collection service tender, the Government will provide industry with a two-week open comment period to go through aspects of the documentation that may require further explanation or revision.
He said the open comment period was being offered to gather feedback that could refine and enhance the tender process to ensure it delivered the best service and value for money for the Territory.
“The draft tender requests the successful contractor to demonstrate the use of zero‑emissions vehicle technology such as hydrogen fuel cell or battery electric technology and development of a zero-emissions transition plan,” the Minister said.
“The draft tender has a requirement to offer employment to the employees of the outgoing contractors that are on the same terms and conditions as their existing arrangements,” he said.
“The procurement is based on an initial service term of eight years.”
Mr Steel said it was anticipated that the process, including the signing of contracts, would be completed this year.
