Residual waste treatment - how we did it

The steps we took to procure the residual waste treatment contract

Strategy for Reducing Waste Growth

In 2007, Oxfordshire set these goals:

  • Zero waste growth per person by 2012
  • Recycling and composting at least 55% by 2019/20

We needed new facilities to reduce landfill waste and avoid fines. The strategy did not specify the technology but insisted it be safe, recover value from waste, and not replace re-use, recycling, and composting.

Reporting on Technologies

In 2006, we assessed various waste treatment technologies. The report found all options could help meet our targets and were cheaper than doing nothing.

Contract Advertisement

On 19 September 2006, the Cabinet decided to find suitable technology. The contract was advertised in March 2007, followed by an industry day in April.

Pre-Qualified Bidders

Fourteen companies expressed interest, and eight were invited to submit proposals:

  • Cory Environmental
  • Covanta Energy
  • Global Renewables
  • Hills Industries
  • SITA
  • Veolia
  • Viridor
  • Waste Recycling Group

All proposed Energy from Waste (EfW) solutions involving incineration and energy recovery.

Inviting Outline Solutions

In August 2007, pre-qualified bidders submitted outline solutions. By January 2008, two bidders were invited to submit detailed solutions:

  • Viridor Waste Management Ltd (Ardley landfill site)
  • Waste Recycling Group Ltd (Sutton Courtenay landfill site)
  • Invitation to Submit Detailed Solutions (ISDS)

Both participants submitted detailed solutions in July 2008. After negotiations, final tenders were requested in April 2009.

Selecting the Preferred Bidder

On 7 September 2009, the Cabinet selected Viridor Waste Management Ltd. This decision was reviewed and upheld.

Award of Contract

The contract was awarded to Viridor on 27 July 2010 and signed on 10 March 2011.

Planning Permission and Environmental Permit

Planning permission was granted on 17 February 2011 after an appeal. A legal challenge was dismissed in July 2011. The Environment Agency granted an environmental permit on 29 September 2010.

Construction Completion

Construction began in December 2011. The facility, built by CNIM/Clugston, was completed in 2014. It was tested and handed over to Viridor on 3 November 2014. Service started on 1 February 2015, and it was officially opened on 11 June 2015.