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Biffa Waste Services Ltd will continue collecting bins and cleaning streets across Wirral for at least another eight years if councillors approve recommendations in an upcoming report, according to Birkenhead News.
The Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee will be asked to award an eight-year contract to Biffa. There will be the option to extend for up to a further eight years beginning in August 2027.
The new contract will cost around £21.8 million per year, with total costs over the initial term estimated at approximately £174 million.
Biffa has provided waste and recycling collections and most street cleansing services in Wirral since 2006.
The recommendation follows a competitive tendering process that began with a formal tender notice in June 2025. Four companies initially expressed interest, but following the full procurement process, Biffa's submission was identified as the most advantageous. Biffa became the sole bidder.
Alongside the contract award, the report proposes investment in operational infrastructure. This includes plans to upgrade the Dock Road South depot and authorisation for the Director of Operations to negotiate purchasing the site.
Acquiring the depot would give the council a long-term operational base for waste and street cleansing services, while allowing Biffa to continue operating from the site for commercial activities through a leaseback or similar agreement. The proposed acquisition would be based on the current market value.
When borrowing and associated costs are included, the total annual investment is estimated at £24.1 million.
Preparation for the new contract began several years ago. In May 2023, a multi-service contract review board was established, chaired by the council's Director of Neighbourhood Services. The board has met monthly to review services, manage risks, and oversee progress.
The council also commissioned Eunomia Research and Consulting Ltd, an independent environmental consultancy, to assess future service delivery options. In July 2024, the committee considered an Outline Business Case examining various delivery models, with further analysis ultimately supporting outsourcing under a new contract.
