Commitment to Sustainability and Innovation Drives New Contract, Supporting Merton's Carbon Neutral Ambition by 2030

Veolia has clinched an impactful eight-year contract with the London Borough of Merton to manage recycling, waste collections, and winter maintenance services starting this April. This partnership marks a significant step towards delivering sustainable services that align with Merton Council's ambitious goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

A key element of the new deal is the enhancement of recycling efforts. Veolia will introduce single-chamber refuse collection vehicles (RCVs), improving operational efficiency by completing collections with just one tip. The contract also includes a forward-thinking approach to alternative fuels, with the investigation of hydrotreated vegetable oil for RCVs and the electrification of smaller vehicles to reduce carbon emissions.

In a bid to support better access to recycling, Veolia will test food waste collections at flats above shops and continue its night-time recycling and waste collection service for these households, which was launched in 2023 to improve street cleanliness. Additionally, a weekend community mobile recycling centre will be operational, providing localized services for residents.

Veolia’s Education, Communications, and Outreach team will play a pivotal role in increasing recycling rates, especially from flats, while also driving waste minimization projects across the borough. The company is committed to investing in the community through its Sustainability Fund and Orchard schemes, offering employment opportunities for local residents, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Pascal Hauret, Managing Director of Municipal at Veolia, emphasized the company's dedication to supporting Merton’s journey to net zero, ensuring a greener, more sustainable future for the borough’s residents.