Caption: Dave Ward Interim Managing Director Terra Verde Services, EFDC Cllr Ray Balcombe, Specialist Fleet Services Regional Operations Manager Jeff Bennett and Nicola Case Regional Sales Manager Dennis Eagle alongside one of the new fleet of RCVs
More than 30 refuse vehicles, and over 20 support vehicles have arrived at North Weald airfield ready to commence Epping Forest District Council’s (EFDC) new waste and recycling collection service from 4 November 2024 provided by its wholly owned company, Terra Verde Services Ltd (TVS).
Earlier this year the council announced the plan to create its own wholly owned *Teckal company to deliver the waste and recycling service rather than go back out to contract once the existing contract with Biffa ended.
In May this year SFS was awarded an 8-year contract by EFDC for the supply and maintenance of a new waste & recycling fleet. The new vehicles have been arriving at the depot throughout October ahead of the start date to ensure a smooth transition.
Crews have been attending special induction days run by TVS at the new environmental operations hub at North Weald Airfield where they have been able to familiarise themselves with the new vehicles, safety technology and bin lifting equipment, as well as undertake banksman training.
Dave Ward, Interim Managing Director, Terra Verde Services Ltd (TVS) said:
“TVS is looking forward to commencing the delivery of waste, recycling and street services for Epping Forest District Council and its residents. TVS is excited to be working with the vehicle fleet that has been supplied by SFS Ltd. The quality of the fleet sourced from Dennis-Eagle, Scarab and Hako meet the highest standards demanded by operators across the waste and resources industry.”
Over 100 existing members of staff have been TUPE transferred across to TVS to continue in their roles operating the vehicles. SFS has recruited additional staff to carry out fleet management and maintenance. No rubbish or waste will be brought or stored on the airfield. The depot will provide storage, maintenance and fuelling for the new fleet, which can run on diesel or a carbon neutral alternative Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO).
The new 52-vehicle fleet comprises 30x 26t refuse trucks provided by Dennis Eagle plus additional support vehicles including sweepers, tippers, and vans. SFS will have responsibility for the maintenance of the fleet, which will take place at the council’s new environmental operations hub at North Weald Airfield.
Councillor Ray Balcombe, Contracts Portfolio Holder for Epping Forest District Council is delighted to welcome SFS and its fleet of Dennis Eagle vehicles to Epping Forest. He said: “There is nothing more important among the services Epping Forest District Council provides to our residents than refuse and recycling.
The most important part of our new waste and recycling service is our people. But support is critical to success, and we also need the best tools for the job. That is why I am so pleased to welcome SFS as key partners with TVS in the delivery and maintenance of our brand-new fleet. Together with Dennis Eagle, we are confident we are delivering the tools our people need, and the service our residents demand.
Bob Sweetland, Managing Director, SFS said:
“We are delighted to have been able to have the entire fleet in place well in advance of the contract start date. All staff members are fully inducted, any TUPE transfers have been completed as required and the workshop is fully equipped and ready to go. This will help to ensure that the new waste and recycling collection service has a smooth roll out. We are looking forward to maintaining the fleet to a high standard and to delivering an efficient fleet operation to Epping Forest District Council and TVS.”
Dennis Eagle Sales and Marketing Director Richard Taylor commented:
“It has been a pleasure to collaborate with SFS once more as they embark on their new contract with EFDC, providing this new fleet of Dennis Eagle vehicles. This partnership further enhances our long-standing relationship with SFS, which began in the early 1990s. Our dedicated training team has been on hand to support this seamless delivery, facilitating our comprehensive and robust “Train the trainer” courses to allow the teams to gain confidence in their new fleet and to enable them to get the job done once they are mobilised.”
SFS celebrated its 30-year anniversary in 2023 and has an extensive track record in delivering fleet and workshop management solutions to local authorities across the UK. The company runs a nationwide network of workshops and operates its own specialist vehicle hire division, CTS Hire, for the provision of short to medium term municipal vehicles.
For more information about Specialist Fleet Services tel: 01604 234601 or email [email protected].
ENDS.
