Councils
SdE has welcomed last week’s confirmation that the current contract with WasteNet for the processing of recyclables will cease on 30 June 2020 and that both the Southland District and Gore District Councils will explore alternative options.
This decision provides us with the certainty we have been seeking and allows us to engage constructively with the Invercargill City Council on terms and conditions for processing the city’s recycling from 1 July 2020. In addition, we are also in negotiation with other organisations, who are seeking solutions to their recycling processing.
While it is disappointing that the Southland and Gore District Councils have chosen to pursue other options (including landfill), it has been obvious for some time that these organisations were not prepared to work with SdE and therefore the functionality of WasteNet in regard to the recycling processing solution was beyond repair.
SdE has continued to perform at a level above expectations in meeting its obligations under the current WasteNet contract and despite the ever-changing and challenging recyclable product market, remains in a financially sound position.
SdE’s purpose is to enrich the lives of people with disabilities by providing meaningful employment and personal development opportunities.
Our people remain our priority and are a particular focus at the present time, as like all employers, we consider the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic.
While there is some work to be done over the next couple of months in finalising contractual arrangements for the period 1 July onwards, we are confident that this will be achieved and that SdE’s future in recycling services can be secured.