A unique partnership between five local authorities has received an award for innovation in public procurement.
The Clyde Valley Residual Waste Project won the innovation category at the Government Opportunities (GO) Excellence in Public Procurement Awards Scotland 2016/17.
The councils – North Lanarkshire, East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire, North Ayrshire and Renfrewshire – have agreed a £700million, 25-year partnership to divert waste from landfill by capturing recyclable materials from residual waste and recovering renewable energy from what remains.
They have signed a contract with Viridor to process around 190,000 tonnes of waste each year, at the company’s facilities at Bargeddie and Dunbar.
“Our partnership is the first to come from the Arbuthnott Report on shared public services, and this award recognises the innovative approach to not only waste management, but councils working together to deliver best value for residents,” said Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council.
“Alongside the obvious environmental benefits, this partnership will provide employment opportunities, including new jobs and apprenticeships with Viridor, and will offer support and training for small to medium sized businesses to bid for sub-contracts.”
Vice Convener of East Dunbartonshire Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee, Councillor John Dempsey added, “This is an excellent example of partnership working and shows how Councils are innovating to improve services while looking after the environment and the public purse.”
“We have built up valuable relationships with other Councils through this joint working and I am pleased that our approach has been recognised with this award on a national stage as an example of good practise.”
Steven Don, Scottish Regional Manager for Viridor added: “This award for procurement innovation is great news and well deserved for this flagship project. Not only will the procurement help boost the sustainability of five Scottish councils, but has economic and community benefit at its heart. We’re delighted to play our part.”
Along with waste reduction, recycling and reuse, over 90% of the partner councils’ waste will be diverted from landfill as well as producing a Refuse Derived Fuel which can be used to generate renewable energy. The service will begin in December 2019.
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