Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) has appointed Specialist Fleet Services (SFS) to carry out maintenance of its waste and recycling fleet after the local authority brought the services back in-house.
The eight-year contract will involve the provision and maintenance of a new fleet of wagons and will commence in November.
EFDC announced earlier this year that it had ceased its arrangement with Biffa and would oversee waste collections itself.
The new 52-vehicle fleet comprises 30 26-tonne refuse collection vehicles provided by Dennis Eagle plus additional support fleet including sweepers, tippers, and vans.
SFS will have responsibility for the maintenance of the fleet, which will take place at the council’s new environmental operations hub at North Weald Airfield.
EFDC said over 100 existing members of staff would be TUPEd across to continue in their roles operating the vehicles.
It also said SFS would recruit additional staff to carry out fleet management and maintenance.
EFDC councillor Ray Balcombe said: “Waste collection is a vital service, and it’s clear that there have been challenges in the past, which have affected our residents.
“This partnership offers EFDC greater flexibility.
“Utilizing the SFS fleet is not only more cost-effective but also allows us to adapt the vehicles according to the evolving needs of the service.”
Bob Sweetland, SFS MD, said: “This is the first time we have worked with Epping Forest District Council and we are thrilled to be brought on board at the beginning of this exciting new era for the council’s waste and recycling service provision.
“We are confident that we are the right partner to keep the council’s fleet running smoothly and efficiently, and we look forward to helping the council deliver sustained improvements to the service.”
