Refuse disposal and treatment

Tender description

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, acting as lead authority on behalf of ‘Dyfodol Gwyrdd Glân’ meaning ‘Clean Green Future’ a partnership of Welsh Local Authorities in collaboration with the Welsh Government is seeking to develop and deliver an affordable sustainable solution for the long-term treatment/recycling of absorbent hygiene product (AHP) waste. Aiming to deliver sustainable infrastructure provision and an economically and environmentally advantageous outcome for Wales as a whole. A contract will be procured for the design, development, installation and ongoing support of technology for a treatment/recycling solution for separately collected AHP waste from local authorities across Wales. Once installed, it is likely the facilities to be operated and maintained by public sector organisations, with ongoing operational support to be provided by the design/technology contractor. Following the previous PIN reference 98104 issued 13 December 2019, Dyfodol Gwyrdd Glân have reviewed the information and feedback from the market and are now investigating an alternative approach to the development and delivery of the project. The new proposal under consideration is to procure a contractor to design, develop, install and provide ongoing support for the technology for an absorbent hygiene product (AHP) waste treatment/recycling solution for All Wales. Once installed, it is likely the facilities to be operated and maintained by public sector organisations, with ongoing support to be provided by the design/technology contractor. Background The amount of waste generated by the use of AHP can make up to 9 % of the kerbside collected municipal residual waste in Wales which is estimated to be over 21 000 tonnes in total per annum from across Wales. The project will be seeking technical solutions to process AHP at two facilities in Wales; approximately 5 000 tonne requirement in the north of Wales and 16 000 tonnes in the south. These products including nappies and adult hygiene products are traditionally collected as part of the residual waste stream for disposal by landfilling or energy from waste treatment (incineration). This niche waste product is an area of growing consideration by local authorities and the Welsh Government as they seek affordable and sustainable solutions to waste management. The aim of the project is that a solution is provided to Welsh Local Authorities that: — reduces residual waste and recycles AHP waste into an end-product; — achieves a minimum demonstrable recycling rate; — enables a reduced carbon impact for Wales; — supports the green economy, generates community benefits and creates employment within Wales; — is affordable to as many participating local authorities (LAs) as possible. As part of the project, two potential sites have been identified as sites to build and operate a treatment facility or facilities, they are: 1) Bryn Pica — South Wales; 2) Waen — North Wales. Dyfodol Gwyrdd Glân welcomes comment on these proposals and/or alternative proposals as part of the market-sounding exercise and, in particular, as to whether its aspirations are achievable and the opportunities presented by the project are attractive to the market. The publication of this prior information notice is for information gathering purposes only at this stage and forms part of the market testing and engagement initiative. This market consultation exercise is an opportunity for specialist AHP waste treatment technology companies and providers to participate in shaping the procurement strategy and gain insight into the project. Potential bidders who are interested in this opportunity are invited to download the request for information (RFI) questionnaire via the https://.etenderwales.bravosolution.co.uk and complete no later than 3 July 2020. Bidders who express interest will also have an opportunity to engage in a one to one session via video conference with the project team.