Recycled rubbish picked up in streets across Kent will be heading to a facility in Crayford.

Viridor has won the contract from Kent County Council to process dry recycled materials put out on kerbs in Ashford, Dartford, Gravesham, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Swale and Tunbridge Wells.

Part of the FTSE 250 Pennon Group, the firm will begin the two-year contract this month, with an option for a two-year extension at KCC’s discretion.

It will transfer more than 61,000 tonnes of paper, card, plastic bottles, cans, foil and glass each year from the seven boroughs to its materials recycling facility in north west Kent.

Bid manager June Barlow said: “I’m delighted that the great team work shown in this bid process has produced this result for Viridor.

“We’ve successfully shown Kent County Council how we’re stronger in partnership with our customers and will relentlessly pursue quality to bring them the best service.”

Regional managing director Graham Warren said: “Everyone involved in this process has pulled together to produce a great bid and a great result.

“By embracing change and the opportunity presented they’ve given us more opportunities to continue on in our quest to give the world’s resources new life.”

Viridor manages more than eight million tonnes of recyclables and waste materials for customers across the UK, employing over 3,200 people.