East Sussex Joint Waste Partnership secures extension to waste collection, street and beach cleansing contract with Biffa

The original contract was awarded after a highly competitive process in 2019 with the option to extend for a further seven years. With this option now secured, the councils can continue to experience high service standards at a price they can afford from 29 June 2026 to 28 June 2033.

The contract extension – worth approximately £119m over the seven years – will include improved environmental credentials with the new fleet of waste collection vehicles being operated on hydrotreated vegetable oil – reducing carbon emissions by up to 90% as well as the transition to electric vans and cars.

The extension has been made in good time to permit officers and Biffa to work together on the delivery of the requirements of the government’s Simpler Recycling reforms, specifically the introduction of weekly food waste collections to all households from 30 March 2026.

During Biffa’s current term, the councils have experienced an increase in the partnership’s recycling rate from 37% in 2019 to 46% in 2024, as well as a significant drop in missed bin collections.

Local community organisations will also continue to benefit from the Biffa Awards scheme, with successful funding applications already granted within the partnership area, as well as the contract securing local jobs for circa 300 staff including 2 apprentices.

Bevan Brittan LLP provided legal advice to the East Sussex Joint Waste Partnership on their contract extension and variation.

Hastings Borough Council’s Councillor Jo Walker, lead councillor for environment and neighbourhood wellbeing, said, “I’m pleased to see that this contract has been extended. This is a vital service for our residents and the contract extension means we can continue building on the good quality service that is being delivered.”

Councillor Hazel Timpe, Rother District Council’s portfolio holder for Neighbourhood Services and Waste Management, said, “We’re delighted that this extension has been agreed. Since the contract started in 2019, we and our partner authorities have developed an excellent working relationship with Biffa enabling us to provide a high-level service to our residents.

“We’re currently working with Biffa as we plan the new weekly food waste collection service which starts in Rother in March 2026. We really appreciate their help and expertise and look forward to continuing this joint working during the remaining years of the contract.”

Councillor James Partridge, Alliance for Wealden (Liberal Democrat) lead councillor for Governance, Waste & Local Economy and deputy leader of the council, said, “The extension of our contract with Biffa is great news for Wealden residents.  It will secure a high quality, value for money, waste collection and cleaning service for another seven years and mean we can focus on improving waste management services, promoting recycling, and providing a cleaner, more sustainable environment for our district.”

Steve Cole, Managing Director of Biffa Municipal, said, “I’d like to thank everyone for their hard work and dedication in what has been a long and complicated process.

“It’s testament to the strength of our partnership and working relations how we’ve managed to complete a comprehensive extension agreement and delivered what I genuinely believe to be an excellent outcome for the partnership, the communities in Sussex we serve as well as for Biffa, for years to come.”