Procure Plus has launched a new £40 million Waste Management Services Framework, creating opportunities for businesses delivering waste collection, recycling, recovery, treatment and disposal services across the UK.
The framework is intended to support predominantly social housing-related requirements, while also being available to a wider range of eligible public sector organisations. Procure Plus expects to appoint ten suppliers, making this a significant opportunity for waste management businesses with the operational capacity to deliver integrated services.
The tender submission deadline is 5pm on 30 November 2026. For suppliers considering an application, demonstrating reliable service delivery, effective waste management processes and credible social value commitments will be particularly important.
Procure Plus Waste Management Framework overview
Procure Plus is a not-for-profit procurement organisation specialising in goods and services associated with the repair and maintenance of social housing properties. Its new Waste Management Services Framework will provide a route for eligible organisations to purchase a range of waste-related services through appointed suppliers.
The agreement is designed to accommodate different waste streams, service requirements and geographical locations. This means suppliers must consider how their operational model can respond to varied customer needs, rather than focusing exclusively on one type of collection or disposal activity.
Detail | Information |
|---|---|
Contracting authority | Procure Plus Holdings Limited |
Estimated value | £40 million including VAT |
Framework term | 8 March 2027 to 7 March 2031 |
Framework structure | Single lot |
Expected appointments | Ten suppliers, with provision for additional appointments |
Evaluation | 60% quality, 40% price |
Maximum supplier fee | 3% |
Tender deadline | 30 November 2026, 5pm |
What services does the framework cover?
The framework covers integrated waste management services, including collection, transportation, treatment, recovery, recycling and disposal. It also incorporates supporting activities that help customers manage waste safely, efficiently and in accordance with their contractual and regulatory obligations.
Depending on individual customer requirements, services may include:
- Collection and transportation of different waste streams
- Waste segregation, treatment, recovery and recycling
- Disposal services and associated compliance arrangements
- Provision of skips, containers and waste management equipment
- Waste reporting, data management and compliance support
- Additional collections or services at new customer locations
Procure Plus has chosen not to divide the framework into separate lots. The intention is to allow customers to procure integrated solutions covering multiple waste streams and service requirements through a single supplier.
This arrangement will suit organisations capable of managing different elements of waste service delivery, whether directly or through appropriately managed delivery partners. Businesses should assess the detailed specification before deciding whether their capabilities and geographical coverage are sufficient.
Who can use the Procure Plus framework?
Although Procure Plus works predominantly within social housing, the framework has a wider potential customer base. Eligible users include registered social housing providers, local authorities, arm's-length management organisations, combined authorities and other public bodies.
The framework may also be used by NHS organisations, educational institutions, emergency services, transport authorities and other contracting authorities covered by the agreement. This wider accessibility creates potential opportunities across different sectors, although the estimated framework value does not represent guaranteed expenditure.
Call-off contracts may be awarded with or without further competition, depending on the applicable framework rules. Suppliers should therefore consider both the initial framework application and how they will remain competitive when individual customers require services.
How will suppliers be appointed?
Procure Plus intends to appoint ten suppliers to the framework. However, it has reserved the option to appoint a limited number of additional businesses where scores are closely grouped around the final appointment position or where additional delivery capacity is considered necessary.
The framework will be awarded through an open procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, with the following published evaluation weightings:
Evaluation criterion | Weighting |
|---|---|
Quality | 60% |
Price | 40% |
Quality carries the greatest weighting, so bidders should devote sufficient attention to explaining how their services will operate in practice. The detailed technical questions, scoring methodology and pricing requirements are contained in the procurement documentation.
Suppliers should also account for the framework's maximum permitted supplier fee of 3%, with the relevant arrangements set out in the tender documents. This should form part of the commercial assessment alongside operating costs and proposed service charges.
What should waste management suppliers focus on in their bids?
Demonstrating integrated service delivery
Because the framework is not divided into lots, a clear explanation of how different waste management activities will be coordinated is important. Bidders should demonstrate how they manage collections, treatment routes, subcontractors, customer requirements and service continuity across their delivery network.
Relevant contract examples can help establish credibility, particularly where they involve multiple sites, varied waste streams or complex customer arrangements. Thornton & Lowe's waste management tender support enables you to demonstrate both operational capability and a competitive service proposition.
Environmental performance and regulatory compliance
Waste management contracts require effective controls over handling, transportation, treatment and disposal activities. Bidders should prepare evidence of their relevant authorisations, procedures, staff competence and arrangements for working with approved treatment and disposal facilities.
Reporting is another important consideration. Explain how waste movements, recycling performance, recovery rates and other contractual measures can be recorded accurately and presented to customers in a useful format.
Service continuity and responsiveness
Customers may require changes to collection schedules, additional containers, new locations or urgent support when normal arrangements are disrupted. A convincing submission should explain how the supplier will respond to changing demand while maintaining service standards and compliance.
Relevant evidence might include performance against collection schedules, complaints resolution, missed-collection procedures, vehicle availability and contingency arrangements. Wherever possible, use measurable outcomes rather than relying on broad assurances about reliability.
Social value and community impact
Procure Plus places particular importance on social value and expects appointed businesses to work with customers to agree commitments that reflect their priorities. Potential activities could include local employment, apprenticeships, training, community engagement and improved environmental outcomes.
These commitments should be achievable within the proposed delivery model and supported by monitoring arrangements. Our social value reporting and delivery guide provides practical advice on connecting tender commitments with measurable outcomes after contract award.
Commercial competitiveness
Price accounts for 40% of the evaluation, making a sustainable and transparent commercial submission essential. Suppliers should review the pricing schedules carefully and consider collection costs, transport distances, waste processing charges, equipment, subcontracting arrangements and any applicable framework fees.
The challenge is to demonstrate value for money without making assumptions that undermine future delivery. An effective pricing approach should be consistent with the service methodology and the resources needed to meet customer requirements.
How to apply for the Procure Plus Waste Management Framework
Interested suppliers must register and submit their tenders through the procurement portal identified by Procure Plus. The deadline is 5pm on Monday 30 November 2026, and the estimated award decision date is 11 February 2027.
The relevant procurement links are:
Before submitting, suppliers should review the full tender documentation, particularly the service specification, conditions of participation, pricing schedules and framework terms. An early bid/no-bid assessment can help determine whether the opportunity aligns with the organisation's capabilities and commercial objectives.
Preparing a competitive Procure Plus submission
The Procure Plus Waste Management Framework offers access to a potentially broad public sector customer base, but its limited number of appointments means suppliers will need to demonstrate why their delivery model represents a strong choice.
Thornton & Lowe supports waste management businesses with tender strategy, technical responses, evidence development and bid review. Our team can help you prepare a submission that addresses the evaluation requirements and communicates the strengths of your service clearly.
