A NEW waste collection contract to improve services for residents in Wiltshire has been agreed by the council.

Hills Waste Solutions will take over the collection of household and garden rubbish and all recyclables from August 1, 2017.

The awarding of the contract follows what the council described as "a robust procurement process" where Hills had to demonstrate how it will deliver cost effective services to the specification the council's requires.

As a result of the new contract, residents in Wiltshire will be able to leave rubbish at one of 11 household recycling centres across the county.

It will also mean black boxes will be used solely for glass collection and blue lidded bins will take all other recyclables including a wider selection of plastics.

Toby Sturgis, cabinet member for waste, said: “I’m very pleased we will have one collection contractor, with a proven track record, to deliver this vital service for our residents in an efficient, effective way.

“Residents will receive a smooth service and be able to recycle even more which is good news. The awarding of the contract will mean certain changes and we will be working with all staff in this area as we move towards this new system in 2017.

"We will provide residents with further information close to the date for commencement of the new service.”

The new contracts will run for a period of eight years, with the option to extend each contract for a further period of eight years.

There will now be a 10-day standstill period until January 30, before the award of the public contract can be confirmed and entered into.