RESIDENTS could have a new council-owned Trading Organisation providing their waste collection and recycling service from March 2020,, if cabinet approves a unique new venture this week.

Current provider Kier is exiting the waste industry, and its contract with Cheshire West and Chester Council ends on March 29 next year.

Work is underway to create a new local authority trading organisation which, if approved, will launch on that date, employing the same high quality teams and using the same vehicles and bins.

Residents would see no change to the waste and recycling service they currently receive and will be able to help shape the service to ensure it is fit for the future.

Cllr Karen Shore, cabinet member for environment, said: “We have a real opportunity to create a local authority trading organisation, based on cooperative principles that puts people and the environment at its heart; that works in partnership with staff and the community to prioritise environmental issues and improve what is an already incredibly successful service.

“We’ve struck a good deal with Kier, following their decision to exit the waste market, and it provides us with the funding to continue to improve our waste and recycling service over the coming years.

“This offers us a real opportunity to create a very different way of working, where everyone can have their say on where our priorities lie going forward and I’m excited at what could be possible.”

All staff will transfer across to the new company on 29 March 2020.

The company will work in a three-way partnership with the community, staff and council to achieve a number of goals.

If approved, residents and staff will be involved in the months to come as the new Trading Organisation develops.