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Resource management firm, Veolia, has been appointed by the London Borough of Merton to deliver recycling and waste collections and winter maintenance services as part of a new eight-year contract commencing in April 2025.
The new contract will provide recycling and waste collections and winter maintenance services for Merton residents. Driving recycling will be a key priority, as well as delivering more sustainable services to support Merton Council’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030.
Recycling capacity will be increased with the introduction of single chamber Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCVs), improving operational efficiency by enabling collections to be completed with just one tip.
To support increased access to recycling and compliance with upcoming Simpler Recycling policy changes, food waste collections will be trialled at flats above shops. The night time recycling and waste collection service for these households, launched by Veolia in 2023 to help improve street cleanliness, will continue. Veolia will also operate a weekend Community Mobile Recycling Centre (CMRC) to provide localised services for residents.
As a leader in the decarbonisation of municipal recycling and waste services, Veolia will work in collaboration with Merton Council to explore alternative fuels for RCVs such as hydrotreated vegetable oil, combined with the electrification of smaller vehicles in the fleet to minimise carbon emissions.
Veolia’s dedicated Education, Communications and Outreach team will continue to deliver bespoke communications campaigns to support residents to recycle more, particularly in flats, as well as delivering waste minimisation projects across the borough. Investment in the community will be prioritised through the expansion of Veolia’s Sustainability Fund and Orchard schemes, and through strong social value commitments with a focus on employment opportunities for local residents and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Councillor Stephen Alambritis, Cabinet Member for Transport and Cleaner Streets, said: “Waste and recycling are among the most valued services we provide, and this agreement reflects our shared ambition to deliver a cleaner, greener, and safer borough for all. We look forward to the enhancements secured in our new contract with Veolia and to working together to deliver a reliable collections service for the people of Merton.”
Pascal Hauret, Managing Director, Municipal at Veolia, said: “Building on our experience, we will work closely with the Council to develop collection services whilst supporting them on their journey to net-zero by decarbonising our operations.
“We are looking forward to working in partnership with Merton Council towards a more sustainable future that will benefit residents across the borough.”
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