THERE were smiles all round as bosses for Solihull’s environmental services were congratulated on the transition to the new Environmental Contract.
Councillor Ken Hawkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Highways, met with the heads of Veolia and Idverde to commend them on the work carried out so far on the £140million 10 year contract.
The contract, which began in April, delivers all the environmental services that were previously supplied in the borough by Amey and Glendale (Forestry) – including household waste and recycling collections, street cleansing, operating Bickenhill Household Waste Recycling Centre, grounds maintenance, forestry and tree services.
Solihull Council say the new contract will offer a number of improvements over the next few years too including a greater use of technology to help help in the fight against climate change and reduce the CO2 emissions in the borough.
Coun Hawkins said: “It took a huge amount of work to get to that stage during the pandemic and the work has continued since then to ensure a smooth transition.
“In the first few months we’ve seen some very thorough deep cleaning operations taking place across the borough and of course our brand new gleaming white lorries with ‘Your Future Solihull’ recycling messages.
“I look forward to seeing the partnership grow and develop over the next decade.”
Pascal Hauret, managing director municipal for Veolia said: “The services Veolia and Idverde have taken over have been delivered to a high level, ensuring continuity for residents and we thank them for their ongoing recycling efforts.
“We are continuing to invest in this contract and the borough of Solihull in order to increase recycling and have an impact on the council’s fight against climate change.
“We are excited for the next steps in our contract commitments to deliver our innovative services and community focused projects.”
Danny Mitchell, regional managing director for Idverde said: “We are thrilled to have kicked off our new contract without a glitch.
“We are looking forward to working with our partners Veolia and Solihull Council to deliver high quality services and projects aimed to reduce the borough’s carbon footprint, and make Solihull a cleaner, greener borough.”
For more visit https://www.solihull.gov.uk/your-future-solihull/waste
