East Devon Plans Future Waste and Recycling Services
East Devon District Council has announced plans to bring waste and recycling services under council control starting in 2026.
The current contract with Suez comes to an end in June 2026, so EDDC had the choice to either invite waste companies, including Suez, to bid for a new contract, or to plan to run the service directly. To ensure long-term cost-effectiveness and adaptability, East Devon District Council (EDDC) has decided to establish a new Local Authority Trading Company (LATCo) to manage recycling and waste services. This decision follows a detailed review of the options, which identified that bringing the services under council ownership provides the most sustainable and flexible model for future operations.
Cllr Geoff Jung, East Devon District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Coast, Country and Environment, said: “The Suez team has delivered an excellent service over the years, and I want to thank them wholeheartedly for their hard work and dedication. Their efforts have contributed to our outstanding recycling rates, with over 60% of our waste being recycled. The decision to manage our own services has not been taken lightly but it will put us in a better position to adapt to new legislation.
“As we approach July 2026, all staff will be invited to transfer to the new company. All operations and vehicles will transfer to the new company, which will be fully owned by EDDC. It is crucial that this transition is smooth for our residents and day-to-day services will continue as usual.”
The decision was confirmed during a Council meeting on 26 February 2025, setting the stage for the future of waste management in the district. With the current contract with Suez set to expire in June 2026, EDDC is determined to ensure a seamless transition while maintaining high standards in waste collection and recycling.
As a leader in waste management, EDDC has already achieved significant milestones, including:
- Ranking 6th in the amount of recycling collected in England.
- A move towards an electric vehicle fleet for its recycling operations.
All staff currently employed by Suez to deliver services for EDDC will transfer to the new company, maintaining their current pay and conditions, in line with the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) regulations.
Vincent Masseri, General Manager, Municipal South for SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, said: “It’s been an honour to partner with the Council and serve the residents of East Devon across almost three decades. Together we pioneered three weekly collections and have seen East Devon consistently achieve one of the top recycling rates in England. The lasting impact of our collaboration has put the Council in great shape for the Government reforms to household recycling collections that come into effect next year. As we enter our final year in East Devon, we will be working to finish on a high note, delivering consistently excellent customer service and high recycling performance.”
The council remains committed to providing top quality waste and recycling services to its residents, and with this new LATCo approach, it aims to continue improving efficiency and sustainability while supporting the local community.
