Why Queensland waste service procurement is becoming more complex, and what to do about it

The introduction of the Queensland Waste Levy and Container Refund Scheme has had a significant continuing impact on local government waste management and service procurement, as have big changes in the international recycling market. These developments – and the politically-sensitive and high-value nature of waste contracts – make it essential that procurement strategies and contracts be fit for purpose.

Factors relevant to waste service procurement and contracting affected by the industry-wide changes include:

• the cost of service delivery;
• a more volatile commodity market for recyclables;
• a heightened focus on risk and revenue sharing;
• the increasing diversion of waste from the traditional waste stream;