Medway’s three recycling centres are now run by Medway Norse.

The facilities management company has taken over the management of the three household waste recycling centres which are in Gillingham, Capstone and Cuxton.

Medway Norse took over the running of the sites, which handle around 60k tonnes of recyclable household waste a year, Wednesday, September 27 and will manage the sites until 2023.

The £1.2 million a year contract will see the company, based in Pier Approach Road, Gillingham, make an initial £300k investment in renewing infrastructure to ensure the service provision remains at a high standard.

The contract will commence with the purchase of 48 new bins, and the installation of a state-of-the-art CCTV and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system.

Ian Price, managing director at Medway Norse, said: “We will be working in partnership with Medway Council, to ensure that the centres run efficiently, and jointly taking any decisions regarding upgrades to the centres.

“As we are working on an open book, ie a transparent operating cost contract, the council will be fully aware of all costs involved in running the centres, thereby giving them greater understanding and control; something that is not really possible under traditional contractor/supplier arrangements.”

Cllr Phil Filmer, head of frontline services at Medway Council, said: “Medway Norse has been awarded the contract to maintain our three-household waste and recycling centres at Cuxton, Hoath Way and Capstone.

“Medway Council has been working closely with the new contractor during the transition process to ensure plans are in place to maintain an efficient service.

“Each of the three sites are having new waste bins and signs installed.

“Medway Norse already maintains a number of high quality services for the council and we will continue to assist them to ensure Medway residents continue to receive an excellent service.”

The firm will continue to work with a local charity to recover old bicycles, which are taken to local prisons for inmates to repair/rebuild.

Mr Price added: “This arrangement provides additional social value.

“The inmates have the chance to learn new skills, whilst the charity benefits from additional funding from the sale of the rebuilt cycles.”

Under the new contract, 18 staff from current incumbent contractor, will TUPE (Transfer of Undertakings - Protection of Employment) transfer into Medway Norse.

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