Council to begin direct negotiations with potential FOGO processors

Key points:

• Council will directly negotiate with businesses to finalise a food organics and garden organics (FOGO) processor
• Two tenders were submitted, but did not offer acceptable terms and were not able to begin from 2 April
• If a contract for the acceptance and processing of FOGO material is not finalised by 2 April, it will not impact the new kerbside waste collection service
• All bins will be emptied from 2 April by contractor JJ Richards and Sons Pty Ltd and recycling will continue to be processed by Kurrajong Recyclers
• Council’s intention is to have a FOGO processor finalised as soon as possible and as it has stated in the past, FOGO material may temporarily be disposed of in landfill as a short-term option.

Wagga Wagga City Council will begin direct negotiations with potential food organics and garden organics (FOGO) processors ahead of the new kerbside waste service starting on 2 April.

Tenders for the acceptance and processing of FOGO material were open from 13 January to 12 February, however, the two tenders submitted did not offer acceptable terms for the service and were unable to start from 2 April.

At the February Ordinary Council Meeting, the elected Council resolved to enter into negotiations with both the unsuccessful tenderers and third parties.

“We put a number of options forward in the tender so we could test the market and ensure we get the best value for the ratepayers’ dollar,” Director Commercial Operations Caroline Angel said.

“We had significant interest, with six businesses attending an information session and 21 prospective tenders accessing the documents.

“Unfortunately the terms of the two submitted tenders weren’t acceptable, so we will begin the direct negation process as soon as possible.”

No impact for roll out of new kerbside waste service

While the FOGO processor is still to be determined, there will be no change to the roll out of the new kerbside waste service and how residents will sort their rubbish.

JJ Richards and Sons Pty Ltd will be emptying all three bins from 2 April, with general waste to be disposed of in landfill and recycling to be processed by Kurrajong Recyclers.

“Our intention is to have a FOGO processor finalised as soon as possible and as a last resort, FOGO material may temporarily be disposed of in landfill as a short-term option,” Ms Angel said.

“Even if a FOGO processor isn’t finalised by 2 April it’s important the community sort their waste correctly as the contamination rate will be closely monitored when the processor is in place.

“Kerbside waste contracts generally run from seven to 10 years, so it is important we continue to improve our waste habits as soon as possible. Wagga Wagga is growing rapidly and based on our current waste levels, the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre will be full in 80 years and requires Council to budget about $1M each year to create new waste cells for the future.”

Bin delivery continuing on schedule

In the lead up to the new kerbside waste service, 75,000 bins are currently being delivered across the local government area.

Parts of Kooringal, Turvey Park, East Wagga Wagga, Wagga Wagga, Oura and Mangoplah are scheduled to receive their new bins this week. Delivery to households that are receiving additional bins will occur later in process.

Residents who do not receive their bins by 26 March should contact Council on 1300 292 442.

For more information on the new kerbside waste service, visit www.yourwaste.com.au or attend one of the community information sessions taking place across the city.

Kerbside waste service from April 2 2018

• 240L food organics and garden organics bin collected weekly
• 240L recycling bin collected on the alternate fortnight to your general waste bin
• 140L general waste bin collected on the alternate fortnight to your recycling bin
• Kitchen caddy with compostable liners to help separate food waste in your kitchen
• The new service will increase overall fortnightly bin capacity by 140L
• An annual pre-booked household hard waste collection service will also be rolled out as part of the new kerbside waste service

Kerbside waste service tender timeline

April 2017:

• Tenders open for waste collection, recycling processing and FOGO processing

July 2017:

• Tenders for waste collection and recycling processing awarded to JJ Richards and Sons Pty Ltd and Kurrajong Recyclers respectively at the July Ordinary Council Meeting
• One conforming and one non-conforming tender received for FOGO processing, with Council initially resolving to negotiate a competitive tender

September 2017:

• Council resolves to seek fresh tenders for the acceptance and processing of FOGO at the September Ordinary Council Meeting, with the aim of encouraging further competition.

December 2017:

• A budget variation of $78,000 was approved at the December Ordinary Council Meeting for the preparation of the new FOGO tender, including cost of the legal, technical and probity advisors.

January 2018:

• New tender for the acceptance and processing of Food Organics and Garden Organics open from 13 January. The new tender included multiple contract options, including short-term and seven-year contracts, as well as up to five hectares of land for lease at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre to assist with the set up of a new facility.

February 2018:

• Council resolves to enter direct negotiations with unsuccessful tenderers and third parties.

Transition to new kerbside waste service

Key dates

• Bin delivery: 12 February to 23 March
• Removal of old bins: Late March through to 20 April
• New service begins: 2 April

Released Monday 26 February 2018