The contract contains flexibility to meet potential changes such as revised environmental targets, changing needs of the community and emerging new technologies. To address such changes comprehensive reviews of service provision will take place every five years.
The first review which started in January 2005 and was completed in February 2006 considered:
- Future changes in legislation, government guidance and government targets
- Improving the range of goods/materials collected for recycling
- Waste minimisation initiatives
- The need to divert more waste away from landfill
- Authority policies (the contractor is expected to comply with council policies and work in line with council's guiding principles)
- Changes to 'best industry practice' and 'best value'
- Performance indicators
A strategy for the next five years is currently being prepared, based on the outcomes of the five year review.
As a result of the review, service improvements have been introduced:
- Paper bags for collections of newspapers and magazines for recycling
- Dry cell battery recycling
- Additional assistants at Sort It!* centres
A dedicated team has been established by the partnership to promote waste minimisation and raise awareness of the need to re-use and recycle more and reduce the overall amount of waste produced.