Tenders called for recycling household food organics and garden organics (FOGO)

Published: 16 Jan 2018 9:19am

Wagga Wagga City Council is currently calling for tenders from contractors for the recycling of food organics and garden organics (FOGO).

Food waste currently goes to landfill and Council is pursuing an initiative to recycle this waste.

Last year, Council accepted a tender for a minimum seven-year kerbside waste collection contract, which was awarded to experienced waste collection provider JJ Richards and Sons Pty Ltd.

The new approach to kerbside waste will see three different waste bins used by homeowners:

  • The red-lidded general waste bin, which is for waste that can’t be recycled, will be collected every two weeks and taken for disposal as landfill.
  • Recyclables, such as plastics and paper, will be collected every two weeks in a yellow-lidded bin. This material will be taken to Kurrajong Recyclers, who will continue to process recyclable material.
  • A new green-lidded bin for FOGO waste will be collected weekly and Council is currently looking for a contractor to process this material, which is typically recycled into high quality compost.

“Kerbside waste is one of the most important services Council provides, so it’s vital the option we go with is in the best interest for the community,” Director Commercial Operations Caroline Angel said.

“Tenders were called to recycle FOGO waste last year, however, Council gave the issue more thought and decided the best approach was to seek pricing on a number of different options.

“The new tender will give some choice in determining what is the best and cheapest option for the community.

“We are working towards awarding the FOGO contract before the new kerbside waste service begins on 2 April.”

The tender documents have been modified to achieve these outcomes and Council is anticipating there will be a number of competitive tenders with a number of different approaches to recycling FOGO material.

“The new tender has three contract terms available,” Ms Angel said. “There is a short-term option of up to 24 months, which would mean FOGO processing can be underway from 2 April while the long-term processor sets up its facility.

“In the tender, Council is also offering up to five hectares of land for lease at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre for potential processors to build a processing facility.”

Ms Angel thanked the community for their patience during the tender process and said Council is continually reviewing what it does, and how it does it, to find more sustainable options

“These are some of the most significant contracts Council awards and the additional time has been used to ensure we can get the best possible FOGO processor and the best value for ratepayers’ money,” she said.

“We know the community wants government to offer efficient and sustainable services and this new initiative in recycling, which reduces waste being buried in the ground, is a good example of how Council is delivering on this community goal.”

Prospective tenderers can access the tender documents at www.tenderlink.com/wagga. Submissions must be received in full by 2pm Friday 9 February 2018.

For more information on the new kerbside waste service, visit www.yourwaste.com.au.

Kerbside waste service from April 2 2018

The new service will consist of:

  • Weekly food organics and garden organics bin (240L, green lid)
  • Kitchen caddy and compostable liners
  • Fortnightly recycling bin (240L, yellow lid) with option for a larger 360L bin
  • Fortnightly general waste bin (140L, red lid)
  • Annual pre-booked hard/bulky waste pick up 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 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 advertised 13 January. Submissions close 2pm Friday 9 February.

New FOGO tender

The tender for the acceptance and processing of Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) includes:

  • Up to five hectares of space available for lease at Gregadoo Waste Management Centre for prospective tenderers interested in setting up a new facility.
  • Three contract terms, which allows tenderers to nominate for a shorter period of time or the whole contract term to align. The contract terms are seven years plus options, up to seven years plus options and up to 24 months.
  • The different contract terms and lease option allow for an interim FOGO processing option while a tenderer constructs a new facility.