TMBC and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council have jointly awarded their new household recycling, waste collection and street cleansing contract to FCC Environment, the councils’ existing service provider.
The new contract will run for an initial term of 12 years from 1 April 2027, ensuring continued delivery of essential services while benefitting from the experience and proven performance of the current contractor. This supports a smooth transition and helps maintain consistent and reliable services for residents.
Importantly, the service already meets the Government’s Simpler Recycling requirements, meaning there will be no significant changes to how collections currently operate when the new contract begins.
FCC Environment was ranked highest following a comprehensive procurement process, achieving the strongest overall score against a 60% price and 40% quality evaluation, the criteria approved by councillors in March 2025 and applied throughout the tender process.
The procurement followed the Competitive Flexible Procedure and included early supplier market engagement and a formal dialogue phase, giving both councils the opportunity to test proposals, explore efficiencies and ensure best value while maintaining service quality.
The recycling and waste contract is the largest jointly commissioned service delivered by the councils and plays a vital role in supporting communities, keeping neighbourhoods clean and helping both authorities meet their environmental responsibilities.
Cllr Martin Coffin, Deputy Executive Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Waste and Technical Services, Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council
“Because the contract has been awarded to the existing contractor residents will see no disruption to their services and instead we can focus on continuing the great work we have been doing to increase recycling and reduce our carbon footprint.”
Cllr Rob Wormington, Cabinet member for Environment and Sustainability, Tunbridge Wells Borough Council
“This new contract gives us the opportunity to deliver the introduction of HVO fuel, which will significantly reduce carbon emissions whilst offering clear benefits for vehicle performance. Sustainability remains a core ambition for the Council, having already reduced our contract carbon emissions by 21% since 2018/19. Further reductions in our carbon footprint continue to be a key priority. We’re also pleased to be building on an established track record, and we look forward to maintaining a strong and productive partnership with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and FCC Environment in delivering high‑quality services for our residents.”
Brian Ashby – Head of Municipal Collections and Streetscene FCC Environment, said:
“We’re pleased to continue our long‑standing partnership with Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council through this new contract. Being reappointed reflects the strength of our existing service, our people on the ground, and our shared commitment to delivering reliable, high‑quality services for residents.
Importantly, the service already meets Simpler Recycling requirements, ensuring continuity for households, while the new contract also allows us to build further on efficiencies and environmental performance over the coming years. We now look forward to working closely with both councils through mobilisation and beyond to maintain and improve services for local communities.”
Transition and mobilisation work will now begin, with a strong focus on continuity, customer communication and maintaining high service standards for residents.